Method and apparatus for purification and treatment of air

ABSTRACT

The invention discloses methods and apparatus(es) for the removal and control of pollutants such as gases and suspended particulates in the air of an enclosed space or an outdoor environment by passing the air through absorbent media. The absorbent media includes any liquid, solid or combination of liquid and solid media that is capable of absorbing a material in which it comes in contact. In one aspect of the invention, formaldehyde is removed by air sparging through a liquid such as water, optionally containing additional scavenging agents.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is claims priority to the U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/243,161 filed Oct. 19, 2015.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention discloses methods and novel apparatus(es) for thepurifying and conditioning air in areas occupied by humans and pets, bypassing the air through a vessel containing a liquid absorbent media.

BACKGROUND

Environmental pollutants that are known to have harmful effects whenintroduced into inhabited areas represent a significant health hazard tohumans and pets that occupy such areas, because of the acute and/orchronic toxicity caused by exposure to such pollutants. Such pollutantsmay not be easily controlled at the source, i.e., may be a result ofregional air pollution. Certain environmental spaces, such as medicalfacilities, food storage areas, are particularly susceptible to airpollutants, or biological contamination. Methods for remediating the airand protecting the occupants and contents from exposure to suchpollutants and health hazards would therefore be beneficial.

In enclosed spaces, often such methods include passing the air via anair handling system through a fixed solid filter, such as those found ona typical HVAC furnace filter, HEPA filters, or containing an adsorbentmaterial such as charcoal or carbon-black. While this methodology mayremove particulate matter, it has limited utility because the filtersmay become saturated and/or blocked even on short term use. Furthermorethis approach is unsatisfactory for the removal of certain otherpollutants, including Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) andgasses, such as formaldehyde (see Clary, John J., et al., “Formaldehyde:Toxicology, Epidemiology, Mechanisms”, First Edition 1983; “Formaldehydeand Other Aldehydes”, Committee on Aldehydes, Board on Toxicology andEnvironmental Health Hazards, Assembly of Life Scientists, NationalResearch Council, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. (1981); and“Formaldehyde Health and Safety Guide, IPCS International Programme onChemical Safety, Health and Safety Guide No. 57). Formaldehyde is aparticular problem because it is used widely in furniture andconstruction. The plywood used, for example may contain a glue resinsuch as urea-formaldehyde, or phenol formaldehyde resin. In suchsystems, formaldehyde can gradually release from the resin for as longas 15 years. The formaldehyde vapor often accumulates in an enclosedspace as a result. Formaldehyde vapor may also arise from syntheticfibers, plastics, or insulation foam, within or nearby the space.Furthermore, because of the size requirements, the use of traditionalair handling units and air purifiers in some enclosed spaces such assmall buildings other than homes or offices, trucks, automobiles ormotor homes are not practical. Often the only solution has been toventilate the enclosed space by exchanging its air with outside air, butthis solution can necessitate the need to recondition, e.g., cool,reheat, humidify or dehumidify, the air, added to the expense of such asolution. Furthermore, some particles are too small to catch even withHEPA filters. The use of porous porcelain material in filtration systemsto catch small particles has been described, but this leads to blockageof the pores and huge energy consumption (and frequent replacement offilter materials). In addition, volatile organic chemicals can geteasily saturated on solid media, such as C-black or charcoal, commonlyused material for absorbing volatile organic compounds such asformaldehyde. Once saturation of the solid media occurs, it can bereleased from the solid phase. This is especially true for formaldehydebecause of its high volatility (bp of −19° C.), making it readilyreleased from C-black.

For infectious disease-related bacteria or viruses, it is important tonot only capture and kill (sterilize or disinfect) the pathogens butalso prevent them from growing in the air cleaning process. Removal ofharmful microorganisms with such filtration technology is alsoproblematic, because in strong winds or air currents, they can be blownaway from solid support (such as charcoal) and released back into theair. Even more problematic, microorganisms may find solid media as idealenvironment in for multiplication (growth) before circulating back tothe air. The problem is not easily mediated by adding biocides to solidsupport, because it is inefficient in dry condition or the charcoal maybecome less absorbent if it is made wet. Furthermore, biocides in solidform may dissociate from the solid support and be released directly intothe air, resulting in safety concerns.

A second approach to removing pollutants, such as formaldehyde, from airis referred to as “air washing” and involves systems in which a largequantity of water is recirculated through an airstream. For example, theairflow passing through heating/ventilation ductwork within is subjectedto a spray or cascading surface of water, or comes in contact with awater treated media, such as a moistened moving belt, agitated packingmaterial, or frothy interface. The formaldehyde is absorbed into thewater, and the formaldehyde/water mixture can be removed and the airwashing system can be replenished with fresh formaldehyde-free water.(See Pedersen et al., Environment International, 12, 439-447, 1986; U.S.Pat. No. 6,641,635; US 2004 0028586; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,669,946,7,758,025). Similarly, air scrubbing devices are disclosed in which airis passed through a chamber, where a cascade of water circulates, andthe water is disinfected by means of a germicidal light source (U.S.Pat. No. 7,722,708) or the scrubbing action is accomplished by means ofa central rotor which disperses a liquid through a specially shaped bowlthat brings it in contact with passing air (U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,283).Because air washing methods typically result in some of the liquid beingentrained in the moving air in droplet form, the addition of anapparatus called an eliminator is employed to remove the droplets. Anair washer design with no eliminator is described in U.S. Pat. No.6,132,493.

A third general approach are various systems designed to removecontaminants such as particulates and/or biodegradable vapors, in whichenvironmental air is pumped below the surface of one or more chambers orcompartments containing water and/or another liquid; the water maycontain an additive, such as a surfactant, a biologically activemicroorganism or a biocide which reacts/degrades the contaminants (U.S.Pat. No. 4,818,59; US 2003 0232424; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,616,733; 5,908,491;5,078,759; 5,080,793; 5,078,759; 7,022,297; 7,156,895; 7,988,909;6,626,983; 2,209,775; 5,848,592). This general method of removingpollutants has also been applied to industrial waste streams, whereadditives are selected to specifically decompose the contaminants. (U.S.Pat. No. 4,251,486). These devices frequently also function ashumidifiers, i.e., adding moisture to the air as it is cleaned.

In industrial work areas where environmental hazards are well defined,specialized personal protection equipment have been developed and areroutinely used. In contrast, convenient methods to protect individualsfrom chronic exposure to harmful gasses and particulate matter in publicoutdoor areas are not readily available, despite deteriorating airquality because of environmental pollution. In some areas of the world,smog has been so severe, that if it contains PM2.5, governments of manycountries advise individuals to stay indoors and to keep doors andwindows shut to prevent it from entering into houses or vehicles. PM2.5refers to particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less, and is alsoreferred to as “fine” particles and believed to pose the greatest healthrisks.

Thus, there is a need for a generally applicable and practical methodand devices to remove pollutants, including particulates, volatilecontaminants, biological hazards such as germs and viruses from the airof enclosed air spaces and to prevent or reduce exposure of thesepollutants to individuals in outdoor environments where needed.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the purpose(s) of the invention, as embodied andbroadly described herein, the invention, in one aspect, relates to amethod for the removal of one or more contaminants from contaminatedenvironmental space air, while optionally and independently improvingthe temperature and level of relative humidity of the air, comprisingthe steps of

-   -   a. passing the contaminated environmental space air, by means of        an air transferring device, through an absorbent liquid medium        contained in a vessel, wherein the temperature and        hygroscopicity of the liquid medium are optionally and        independently controlled, said liquid medium optionally        containing one or more additives capable of interacting with the        contaminants;    -   b. allowing the contaminated environmental space air to come in        contact with the absorbent liquid medium and optional additives        such that one or more contaminants from the contaminated        environmental space air are transferred into the absorbent        liquid medium and are thereby removed to produce decontaminated        environmental space air, and the temperature and humidity of the        air are optionally and independently improved;    -   c. releasing the decontaminated environmental space air from the        vessel into the environmental space, thereby lowering the level        of one or more contaminants in the environmental space air, and        optionally and independently improving the temperature and        humidity of the environmental space air.

In accordance with the purpose(s) of the invention, as embodied andbroadly described herein, the invention, in another aspect, relates toan apparatus for the removal of contaminants from the environmentalspace air, said apparatus comprising

-   -   a. an air transferring device with intake and output ports, such        that when the device is operated, the intake port collects        environmental space air which is transferred to the output port;    -   b. a vessel containing an absorbent liquid medium, and one or        more optional additives, and optionally having one or more ports        for addition and/or removal of the liquid medium;    -   c. one or more conduits for transferring air from the output        port of the air transferring device to the intake port of the        vessel containing the absorbent liquid medium, said conduits        positioned so that the air from the output port of the air        transferring device enters the intake port of the vessel below        the level of the absorbent liquid contained in the vessel and        then passes through the medium becoming purified air; and    -   d. a means for the release of the purified air from the vessel        to the environmental space, wherein said means is        -   one or more conduits leading from above the liquid medium in            the vessel to the environmental space, or        -   one or more openings in the vessel, above the liquid medium            in the vessel, to the environmental space.

While aspects of the present invention can be described and claimed in aparticular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this isfor convenience only and one of skill in the art will understand thateach aspect of the present invention can be described and claimed in anystatutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no wayintended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed asrequiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly,where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims ordescriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it isno way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holdsfor any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including mattersof logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plainmeaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or thenumber or type of aspects described in the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several aspects and together withthe description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the results of an experimental study to establish thelimits of effectiveness of using water as the absorbent liquid to removeformaldehyde from an enclosed space by air sparging using an apparatusschematically represented by FIG. 6.

FIG. 3 shows the results of an experimental study comparing the relativeeffectiveness of using two aqueous solutions, Formula 1 [aqueoussolution of 2% (w/w) monosodium glutamate (MSG), 1% (w/w) NaHCO₃, 50%(v/v) glycerin]; and Formula 2 [1% aqueous solution of glycine (w/v)] asabsorbent liquid to remove formaldehyde from an enclosed space by airsparging using an apparatus similar to that represented by FIG. 6.

FIG. 4 shows the results of an experimental study comparing the effectof initial formaldehyde concentration on the effectiveness of airsparging to remove formaldehyde from an enclosed space using water asabsorbent liquid and an apparatus represented by FIG. 6.

FIG. 5 shows the results of an experimental study comparing the effectof flow rate on the effectiveness of air sparging to remove formaldehydefrom an enclosed space by air sparging using water as absorbent liquid.and an apparatus represented by FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of one aspect of the invention, representing avessel containing an absorbent liquid (sparging solution) and thedirection of air flow. The contaminated, unpurified, or dirtyenvironmental space air enters below the surface of the liquid, isdispersed through the liquid by means of an air stone, reaches thesurface of the liquid and exits in the direction shown as purified orclean air. The top of the vessel is sealed except for the in port andthe out port, and air flow is accomplished by means of an air pump (seeFIG. 55).

FIG. 7 represents a second aspect of the invention in which theapparatus depicted in FIG. 6 is fitted with a reservoir containing oneway that optional additives (scavengers) can be added to the vessel.

FIG. 8 represents an aspect of the invention in which two vessels areconnected in series, wherein the unpurified or contaminatedenvironmental space air enters the first vessel containing Solution A asthe absorbent liquid, passes through the liquid and is pumped to thesecond vessel containing Solution B as the absorbent liquid. Afterpassing through Solution B, the purified air exits from the port in thedirection shown.

FIG. 9 represents another aspect of the invention and a variation of theapparatus shown in FIG. 8, in which the environmental space air purifiedby Solution A in the first vessel is allowed to exit via two ports andis pumped into a second vessel containing Solution B. After passingthrough Solution B, the purified air exits from the port in thedirection shown.

FIG. 10 represents an aspect of the invention in which three vessels areconnected in series, wherein the contaminated or unpurifiedenvironmental space air enters the first vessel containing Solution A asthe absorbent liquid, passes through the liquid and is then pumped tothe second vessel containing Solution B as the absorbent liquid, andthereafter is directed to a third vessel where it passes throughSolution C as the absorbent liquid. The purified environmental space airexits from the port of the third vessel as shown.

FIG. 11 represents an aspect of the invention in which three vessels arearranged in an array such that the environmental space air passesthrough a first vessel containing Solution A as absorbent liquid, and isthen divided into two streams, each stream simultaneously pumped toseparate vessels where they pass through absorbent liquids, namelySolutions B1 and B2 respectively, and then the purified environmentalspace air exits from the each of the ports in the direction shown.

FIG. 12 represents an aspect of the invention which is a variation ofthat shown in FIG. 11, namely, the exit ports from the vesselscontaining solution B1 and B2 are fitted with a Carbon-black adsorptioncolumn.

FIG. 13 depicts an aspect of the invention which a further embodiment ofthe aspect shown in FIG. 9, where the first vessel is the water tank ofa common toilet or commode. Environmental air is pumped through thewater in the toilet tank and is then pumped to an optional second vesselcontaining a second absorbent liquid. The purified air exits from thevessel(s) from the “Air out” port shown. In this aspect, the firstvessel, being a toilet tank, also provides an inlet for adding moreliquid when the level of liquid is depleted, and a means for emptyingthe vessel by flushing the toilet.

FIG. 14 represents an aspect of the invention in which the air flow isdriven by the exhaust fan of a typical kitchen range hood. The purifiedair may optionally be directed back into the exhaust ductwork of therange hood.

FIG. 15 represents an aspect of the invention in which the vessel isadditionally fitted with an air washing spray in the upper portion ofthe chamber above the absorbent liquid.

FIG. 16 shows the results of an experiment to measure the humidity ofair in an enclosed 10-gallon tank as the air is allowed to bubble(sparge) air through vessels containing 1) water alone; 2) saturatedsodium chloride solution, using a small fan within the tank; and 3)saturated sodium chloride solution, using a large fan within the tank.

FIG. 17 shows the results of an experiment measuring the humidity of airin an enclosed 10 gal tank as the air is allowed to bubble (sparge) airthrough vessels with the apparatus of FIG. 6, where the absorbent liquidis 1) water alone; 2) saturated sodium chloride solution; or 3)saturated sodium chloride solution to which is an excess of solid sodiumchloride has been added.

FIG. 18 shows the result of a similar experiment to measure humiditychanges when pumping air through a vessel as illustrated in FIG. 6,where the absorbent liquid 1) water alone; 2) saturated sodium chloridesolution to which is an excess of solid sodium chloride has been added,starting with lower initial humidity or 3) saturated sodium chloridesolution to which is an excess of solid sodium chloride has been added,starting with higher initial humidity.

FIG. 19 shows the relative humidity that results from an experimentusing the sparging apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 6, in which theabsorbent liquid is 1) a 1:1 v/v water/ethylene glycol mixture, 2) a 2:8v/v water/ethylene glycol mixture, 3) glycerin, 4) saturated aqueoussodium chloride or 5) water as the absorbent liquids.

FIG. 20 shows the relative humidity over time that results from anexperiment comparing various concentrations of aqueous sodium chloridesolutions in a closed tank sparging system as illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 21 shows data from the same experiment, plotting relative humidityas a function of aqueous sodium chloride concentration system, for fourdifferent time periods.

FIG. 22 illustrates an aspect of the invention where the intakeenvironmental space air is directed through a switched double vesselsparging system. Depending on the position of the switch, the systemwill transmit the air to one of two absorbent solutions, (A or B) whichin turn determine whether humidity is added or removed from theenvironmental space air to the treated air.

FIG. 23 shows data from an experiment using glycerin as the absorbentliquid, using a sparging system as illustrated in FIG. 6, and the rateof removal of formaldehyde over time from the environmental space air,while maintaining constant relative humidity.

FIG. 24 presents the data from the same experiment showing theformaldehyde reduction percentage over time as the environmental spaceair is passed through a vessel containing glycerin as the absorbentliquid, using a sparging system as illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 25-27 depict the results from a similar experiment comparing theeffectiveness of using 1) glycerin alone and 2) glycerin (50 mL) withglycine added (50 mg) as the absorbent liquids, using a single or twinsparging system as illustrated in FIG. 6 or 8 respectively.

FIGS. 28-30 depict the results from an experiment comparing theeffectiveness of using mixtures of glycerin, water and dimedone mixturesas the absorbent liquid using either a single vessel, as illustrated inFIG. 6, or a twin vessel (in series) sparging system as illustrated inFIG. 8.

FIGS. 31-32 depict the results from an experiment comparing theeffectiveness of using 1) glycerin alone and 2) glycerin with cysteineadded as the absorbent liquids using either a single vessel, asillustrated in FIG. 6, or a twin vessel (in series) sparging system asillustrated in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 33-34 depict the results from an experiment comparing theeffectiveness of using 1) glycerin alone and 2) glycerin withconcentrated sulfuric acid added as the absorbent liquids using either asingle vessel, as illustrated in FIG. 6, or a twin vessel (in series)sparging system as illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 35-36 depict the results from an experiment comparing theeffectiveness of using glycerin with silver nitrate as the absorbentliquid with two types of dual sparging systems as represented by FIGS. 8and 9.

FIGS. 37-38 depict the results from an experiment comparing theeffectiveness of using glycerin with silver nitrate as the absorbentliquid using the sparging system depicted in FIG. 9; solution A was 1 gof silver nitrate in 99 g water; solution B1 was 100 g of glycerin andsolution B2 was 112 g glycerin.

FIGS. 39-40 depict the results from an experiment comparing theeffectiveness of using glycerin, silver nitrate and dimedone as theabsorbent liquid in the sparging system depicted in FIG. 12. In twoseparate experiments, Solution A was 1 g of silver nitrate, 99 g waterand 0.10 g dimedone; absorbent liquid B1 was 100 g glycerin and 0.10 gdimedone, and solution B2 was 112 g glycerin and 0.10 g dimedone.

FIGS. 41-42 depict the results from two experiments comparing theeffectiveness of two absorbent liquids using the dual sparging systemdepicted in FIG. 8. In Experiment 1, Solution A was 4% aqueous sodiumpersulfate and solution B was glycerin alone. In Experiment 2, SolutionA was 1% aqueous potassium permanganate and solution B was a mixture ofglycerin (89.5 g) and dimedone (0.50 g).

FIGS. 43-44 depict the results from an experiment showing theeffectiveness of using tris(2-aminoethyl)amine or Tren, N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₃ insaturated sodium chloride solution and the dual sparging system depictedin FIG. 8. Both Solutions A and B were 1% Tren in saturated NaClsolution.

FIG. 45 depicts the results from two additional experiments using thedual sparging system depicted in FIG. 8. Experiment 1 shows the resultsfrom using saturated NaCl alone as Solution A and 2% Tren in saturatedNaCl as Solution B; Experiment 2 shows the results from using 2% Tren insaturated NaCl for both Solutions A and B. Finally, data for theexperiment, where Solutions A and B were 1% Tren in saturated NaClsolution, is shown for comparative purposes.

FIG. 46 depicts a result from the use of a triple sparging system asdepicted in FIG. 12. In this experiment Solutions A and B were water andSolution C was 0.50 dimedone, 10 g water and 89.5 g glycerin.

FIGS. 47-48 depict a result from the use of a triple sparging system asdepicted in FIG. 12. In this experiment Solution A was 1% glycineL-Cysteine; Solution B was 10% aqueous NaOH and Solution C was glycerinand data was collected up to 49 minutes.

FIG. 49 is a continuation of the experiment in FIG. 47, showing theresults from 49 to 440 minutes of sparging.

FIG. 50 shows the results from sparging experiments through mixturescontaining glycine/glycerin, glycine/water/glycerin;glycine/glycerin/sulfuric acid; and glycerin/dimedone/water.

FIG. 51 shows the results from single sparging experiments throughmixtures containing glycine/glycerin, glycine/water/glycerin;glycine/glycerin/sulfuric acid; and glycerin/dimedone/water as comparedto a dual sparging experiment through a) water followed by b)glycerin/dimedone/water.

FIG. 52 shows the results from single sparging experiments throughmixtures containing glycine/glycerin, glycine/water/glycerin;glycine/glycerin/sulfuric acid; and glycerin/dimedone/water as comparedto a dual sparging through a) water followed by b)glycerin/dimedone/water; and further compared to the results from nosparging.

FIG. 53 is an illustration of one aspect of the invention in which theair is purified by sparging of the air through a vessel containing anabsorbent liquid, and the purified air exiting the vessel is deliveredto an individual via tubing directed to the nose.

FIG. 54 is an illustration of one aspect of the invention in which theair is purified by sparging through a vessel containing an absorbentliquid, and the purified air exiting the vessel is delivered to anindividual via tubing connected to a face mask.

FIG. 55 is an illustration of one aspect of the invention in which theair, collected and pumped using a portable air pump, is purified bysparging the air through a vessel containing an absorbent liquid, andthe purified air exiting the vessel is delivered to an individual viatubing connected to a face mask which can be affixed to an individual'snose and mouse in a sealed fashion.

FIG. 56 is an illustration of one aspect of the invention in which theair is purified by sparging the air through a vessel containing anabsorbent liquid, and the purified air exiting the vessel is deliveredto an individual via tubing connected to an unsealed face mask which canbe affixed to the individual's head.

FIG. 57 is an illustration of one aspect of the invention, showing asparging system in which the absorbent liquid in the vessel is animmiscible mixture forming a biphasic, or two-layer liquid. The entrypoint of the contaminated environmental space air is below the lowerphase or layer, insuring that the air comes in contact with, insuccession, both phases and layers of the absorbent liquid.

FIG. 58 is a depiction of the testing apparatus as described in theGeneral Methods section as System 3. The apparatus is an aquarium tankadapted to contain a pump, two vessels containing absorbent media,connected by tubing in series, and an air pump. In addition, a meter tomeasure air purity and a small fan are placed inside the tank. The tankis covered. A port on the top of the tank allows for introduction oftest materials.

FIG. 59 is a depiction of a prototype apparatus as described in theGeneral Methods section as System 4. The apparatus comprises a batterypowered blower in which the exit tube is inserted snugly into a largepolyethylene vessel. The vessel contains the liquid absorbent media andthe tube is submerged below the level of the liquid. A plurality ofholes is drilled around the top of the vessel allowing air to bereleased.

FIG. 60 illustrates a prototype apparatus in which a battery poweredblower is inserted snugly into a multi-compartment container containinga liquid absorbent media.

FIG. 61 illustrates a detailed design of the multi-compartment chamberof FIG. 60, showing that the air flows from the blower on the left intothe first compartment, then exits through upper holes in the firstchamber into both a middle compartment and a third compartmentcontaining the liquid media. The air is forced through the media in themiddle compartment through lower holes of the middle chamber, travelsinto the third chamber coming in further contact with the liquidabsorbent media, and then is released through the top of the thirdcompartment.

FIG. 62 illustrates a prototype apparatus in which an electricallypowered fan is fitted to one end of an outlet tube, and the other end ofthe tube contains a plurality of holes. The tube portion of the fan/tubeassembly is positioned in a vessel containing a liquid absorbent media,such that fan is above the liquid, but the end of the tube and holesextend below the level of the liquid.

FIG. 63 illustrates a prototype apparatus in which a fan exhaust port isaffixed to a block of lightweight material (e.g., polymeric foam) intowhich a plurality of holes are drilled to allow the exhaust fan air toopass though and into a pan or tank containing the liquid absorbentmedia. The lightweight material adds buoyancy to the fan/foam blockassembly, allowing to float on the surface of the liquid or settle onthe bottom of the pan if the level of the liquid decreases sufficiently.

FIG. 64 illustrates a prototype apparatus in which the fan is mounted tobox, the top of which is fashioned to receive the exhaust air from thefan. Holes are drilled on the bottom and on the lower portion of thesides of the box. The fan/box assembly is placed in the liquid absorbentmedia so that the holes are submerged in the liquid.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or can be learned by practice of the invention. Theadvantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means ofthe elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention and the Examplesincluded therein.

Before the compositions, articles, systems, devices, and/or methods aredisclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only andis not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materialssimilar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, example methods andmaterials are now described.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by referenceto disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection withwhich the publications are cited. The publications discussed herein areprovided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of thepresent application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admissionthat the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publicationby virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication providedherein can be different from the actual publication dates, which canrequire independent confirmation.

Definitions

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a pollutant,” or“an additive” or “an absorbent liquid” can include mixtures of two ormore such component groups, or residues, and the like. Ranges can beexpressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about”another particular value. When such a range is expressed, a furtheraspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the otherparticular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms a further aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of valuesdisclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as“about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. Forexample, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is alsodisclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particularunits are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

References in the specification and concluding claims to parts by weightof a particular element or component in a composition denotes the weightrelationship between the element or component and any other elements orcomponents in the composition or article for which a part by weight isexpressed. Thus, in a compound containing 2 parts by weight of componentX and 5 parts by weight component Y, X and Y are present at a weightratio (w/w) of 2:5, and are present in such ratio regardless of whetheradditional components are contained in the compound.

References in the specification and concluding claims to v/v ratio ofcomponents or additives in a composition denote the relative amounts ofeach component by volume. Thus, in a mixture expressed as a mixture of2:8 v/v of ethylene glycol and water, indicates a mixture containing 2volume units (e.g., mL) of ethylene glycol and 8 volume units (ml) ofwater and that ratio is present regardless of whether additionalcomponents are contained in the mixture.

A weight percent (wt. %) of a component, unless specifically stated tothe contrary, is based on the total weight of the formulation orcomposition in which the component is included.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended thatan order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic withrespect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaningderived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number ortype of embodiments described in the specification.

It is understood that the compositions disclosed herein have certainfunctions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements forperforming the disclosed functions and it is understood that there are avariety of structures that can perform the same function that arerelated to the disclosed structures, and that these structures willtypically achieve the same result.

As used herein, the terms “individual(s)” or “occupant(s)” refer tohumans, pets or other air-breathing animals that typically occupy anenvironmental space.

As used herein, the terms “pollutants” or “contaminants” refer to solid(particulate), gaseous materials, and/or liquid materials, and/ormixtures thereof, which may be present in the air as a suspension,aerosol, sol, or mixture and the like, in an amount which is measurablyabove background levels of such materials found in nature. Inparticular, a pollutant or contaminant refers to materials that exceed aconcentration or level defined by a regulatory agency that can result inhealth or safety concerns. Examples of pollutants or contaminants areformaldehyde, ozone, formic acid, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, nitrogenoxides (NOx, including NO, NO₂), hydrogen sulfide, chlorinatedhydrocarbons; volatile organic compounds (VOCs); industrial emissionsfrom manufacturing facilities including refineries and the like;automobile emissions; workplace-generated emissions, particulate matter,including smoke and grease vapors from cooking; tobacco smoke, airbornedust containing heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromiumand the like; allergens such as plant pollen; animal dander; includingtobacco smoke and soot particles and the like; airborne microorganismssuch as bacteria, fungal spores, and mites, viral particles and thelike; and foul or obnoxious odors, including those from decomposingorganic matter, human or animal wastepipe, urine or feces, and dust,including explosive dust, for example dust present in coal mines,generated in grain elevators, from special effects produced infilmmaking or pyrotechnics, from industrial operations such as grinding,machining or milling.

As used herein, the term “environmental air” refers to the air thatexists within an environmental space which may have limited exchangewith air outside the environmental space. The environmental air may ormay not be contaminated with pollutants.

As used herein, the term “environmental space” refers to any space inwhich some control of the air quality is desired. This includes enclosedspaces or outdoor spaces in which environmental air quality can affectoccupying individuals or objects.

Enclosed spaces include such spaces as rooms, compartments, chambers,buildings, dwellings and the like which have limited air exchange withthe outdoor environment, but are otherwise suitable for occupancy or useby humans, livestock or pets; spaces used for the storage of objectssubject to environmental conditions such as food, fruits, vegetables,i.e., vegetable stock rooms, meat and the like, or objects sensitive tothe environment such as art work, musical instruments, furniture,antiques and the like. Examples of such enclosed spaces include rooms inhomes and living quarters; offices and working areas includinglaboratories, medical facilities such as clinics, hospitals and doctor'soffices, art galleries, warehouses, outbuildings; public buildings, suchas schools, classrooms, auditoriums, arenas, indoor stadiums, and thelike; hotels and other lodging accommodations; restaurants and othereating establishments; theaters, transportation stations, such asrailway stations, bus or subway stations, and airport terminals; storageareas such as closets, refrigerators, dishwashers, closets, displaycases, garages, hangars, and sheds; passenger/operator and cargocompartments in vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, trucks withclimate controlled cargo space, vehicles used for space travel orexploration, motor homes, trains including climate controlled railwaycars; aircraft including environmentally controlled airplane cargo holdsand passenger compartments, passenger ships including staterooms, pubicareas and cargo holds, working or recreational water craft and the like.

As used herein, the term “outdoor spaces” includes areas in which humansand/or pets work, travel or occupy for work, travel or recreationalpurposes. Examples of such outdoor environments include urbanenvironments such as sidewalks, streets, highways, public and privateparks and the like; rural environments such as highways, fields,forests, waterways beaches, and recreational facilities.

As used herein, the terms “individual breathing apparatus” includeportable equipment commonly used to provide air or oxygen to people inneed thereof, such as individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonarydisorders (COPD) or sleep apnea. The apparatus typically includes a pumpwith monitoring readouts, connective hoses and a facemask or nasalsupply tubing. Such devices include so-call Continuous Positive AirwayPressure (CPAP), devices, supplied for example by cpap.com;(www.cpap.com) 13235 N Promenade, Stafford, Tex. 77477.

As used herein, the term “absorbent liquid(s)” refers to any absorbentliquid, combination of liquids or combination of liquid and solid mediathat is capable of absorbing a material in which it comes in contact.Absorbent liquids can be pure liquids, solutions or suspensionscontaining one or more miscible or immiscible liquids, or one or moredissolved or suspended solids or gasses. Liquids include water;vegetable oil; mineral oils; animal fats and oils; silicones; saturatedor unsaturated sodium chloride solution, or similar aqueous solutions ofother inorganic salts; liquid polymers such as PEG; aliphatic alcoholssuch as methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol and thelike; polyols such as poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol),glycerin and the like; and aliphatic ketones such as acetone, methylethyl ketone, cyclohexanone and the like. Mixtures of immiscible liquidsmay be multi-phasic, or in the form of an emulsion.

As used herein, the term “adsorbent solid(s)” refers to any solidsmaterials that provide a large surface area or is distributed in amatrix that facilitates contact and is capable of capturing contaminantor pollutants on the surface. Examples of such materials includeexpandable lattice clays, such as montmorillonite or bentonite clays,zeolites, molecular sieves, organic scavengers such as solid organicpolymers designed for such specific purpose, polymers such aspolyethylene glycols, diatomaceous earth, charcoal, carbon black,textiles (e.g., cotton, linen, polyester and the like) fibers,fiberglass, saw dust, cellulose, powdered or shredded newspapermaterials, silica gel, sea sand, alumina, polymeric materials designedto be absorbents and the like.

In the scope of the invention are included combinations of liquids andsolids which include slurries or suspensions of a solid in a liquid,such as excess solid sodium chloride suspended in saturated sodiumchloride solution, or liquids distributed on a solid support such assilica gel, or liquids on textiles cellulose, or a polymeric material.

As used herein, the term “additive(s)” refers to any material dissolvedor suspended in the liquid absorbents to enhance the absorbingcapability of the absorbent liquid, enhance degradation of contaminantsor control the humidity of the environmental space air being treated.Such additives include salts, such as sodium chloride, potassiumchloride, sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate;surfactants; acid or base neutralizers, such as amino acids; bufferingagents such as sodium bicarbonate or ammonium chloride; acids such asmineral acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and the like;bases such as mon- di- and trialkylamines, alkaline metal hydroxides,alkaline earth hydroxides, and ammonia; oxidizing agents such aschlorine bleach, peroxides, peracids, or sodium hypochlorite, and ozone;reducing agents such as sugars and vitamin C; chelating agents such asEDTA; free radical scavengers such as hydroquinone, starch, cyclicdextrans; rheological agents, specific binding reagents such as dimedoneand the like; aldehyde complexation agents such as sodium or potassiumbisulfite, sulfide precipitation agents such as zinc oxide, or silvernitrate; and metal and metal oxide catalysts, including TiO₂ as well asrare earth metal catalysts, including those that catalyze oxidativedegradation of contaminants such as formaldehyde. The additives may alsoinclude materials which are biocides as defined below. Additives for theneutralization or removal of formaldehyde can include reagents known forthe titration methods for analysis of aldehydes in general. Theseinclude sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, alkaline peroxide (e.g., NaOHand H₂O₂), hypoiodite (e.g., KIO, generated from KOH, I₃, and KI).

As used herein, the terms “rare earth metal catalysts” refer to elementsor compounds derived from any one of a set of seventeen chemicalelements in the periodic table, specifically the fifteen lanthanides, aswell as scandium and yttrium.

Such additives may also include specialty amines with combined chelatingand neutralizing properties, e.g., primary or secondary amine groupsthat react with formaldehyde. Examples of these include, amino acids,peptides and protein materials and their degraded components, Tren(tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, methyl amine, ethyl amine, propyl amine,isopropyl amine, butyl amine, ethylenediamine, propanediamine,1,4-butanediamine, 1,5-pentanediamine (cadaverine), 1,6-hexanediamine,Jaffamines (JEFFAMINE® D-230 polyetheramine, JEFFAMINE® D-400polyetheramine, JEFFAMINE® D-2000 polyetheramine, JEFFAMINE® D-4000polyetheramine, JEFFAMINE® ED-600 polyetheramine, JEFFAMINE® ED-900polyetheramine, JEFFAMINE® ED-2003 polyetheramine, JEFFAMINE® EDR-104etheramine, JEFFAMINE® EDR-148 polyetheramine, JEFFAMINE® EDR-176polyetheramine, JEFFAMINE® SD=2001 polyetheramine, JEFFAMINE® THF-100polyetheramine, JEFFAMINE® THF-140 polyetheramine, JEFFAMINE® THF-170polyetheramine), ⋅XTJ-542 diamine, XTJ-548 diamine, XTJ-559 diamine,XTJ-568 diamine, XTJ-578 diamine, XTJ-582 diamine. H₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂CO₂H,polyamines, guanidine, amino acids such as Histidine, Alanine,Isoleucine, Arginine, Leucine Asparagine, Lysine, Aspartic acid,Methionine Cysteine, Phenylalanine, Glutamic acid, Threonine Glutamine,Tryptophan Glycine, Valine Pyrrolysine, Proline, Selenocysteine, Serine,Tyrosine, and Hydrazines.

Chelating, neutralization or reactions could be reversible ornon-reversible. The most important reversible reaction for formaldehydeis perhaps hydration. Once hydrated, formaldehyde loses most of itsvolatile property as a gaseous molecule, and can be disposed or flushedto the sink easily, with or without pre-neutralization. A secondimportant reversible reaction for formaldehyde is solvation withalcohols, including polyols such as glycerin.

For a summary of the Reactions of Aldehydes with Amines see Murray A.Sprung, Chem. Rev., 1940, 26 (3), pp 297-338; and J. E. Fernandez, G. B.Butler, J. Org. Chem., 1963, 28 (11), pp 3258-3259.

Additives also include preservatives which can act to preventdegradation of the liquid/additive mixtures by chemical, photochemical,or biological means. Some common preservatives include: Acetic Acid,Benzoic Acid, Citric Acid, Citric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides,Calcium Propionate, Erythorbic Acid, Ethyl lauroyl arginate, lacticacid, Methyl-p-hydroxy Benzoate, Methyl Paraben, Natamycin, PotassiumBenzoate, Potassium Bisulphite, Potassium Lactate, PotassiumMetabisulphite, Potassium Nitrate, Potassium Nitrite, Propyl-p-hydroxyBenzoate, Propyl Paraben, Propionic Acid, Sodium Acetate, SodiumAscorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Bisulphite, Sodium Diacetate, SodiumErythorbate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Metabisulphite, Sodium Nitrate,Sodium Nitrite, Sodium Propionate, Sodium Salt of Methyl-p-hydroxyBenzoic Acid, Sodium Salt of Propyl-p-hydroxy Benzoic Acid, SodiumSorbate, Sodium Sulphite, Sodium Dithionite, Sorbic Acid, SulphurousAcid, and Tartaric Acid.

Natural food antimicrobials compounds can be also consideredpreservatives as well. Examples of these compounds areLacto-antimicrobials, Ovo-antimicrobials, phyto-antimicrobials,bactor-antimicrobials, acid-antimicrobials, Milieu-antimicrobials.Details of these chemicals can be found in: A. S. Naidu “Natural FoodAntimicrobial Systems” Also: “Naturally occurring antimicrobials infood”, Council for Agricultural Science and Technology.

Natural antimicrobial compounds can be used such as berberine and manyother antimicrobial or antiviral compounds from natural sources fromplants or microorganisms. The crude plant materials containing theantimicrobial compounds can be used directly. These materials can besolids or powders that can be added into liquid as part of the spargingsolution.

Likewise, the topical antimicrobials can be also used for the samepurpose. The fact that they have already been used for human topicaluse, their safety for household use should be in the safe side.

Details of these chemicals can be found in Daryl S. Paulson “Handbook ofTopical Antimicrobials: Industrial Applications in Consumer Products andPharmaceuticals”.

Likewise, the cosmetics preservatives can be also used for the samepurpose. The fact that they have already been used for human cosmeticsuse, their safety for household use should be in the safe side. Detailsof these chemicals can be found in “Preservatives for Cosmetics”, Firstand Third Edition”.

As used herein, the term “air transferring device” refers to any devicecapable of moving air in a manner that allows for efficient mixing ofthe air in the enclosed space. Such devices include air pumps, aircompressors, fans, or blowers. The devices may require a power sourcesuch as electricity (including AC and DC or solar technology), or may bemanually operated. The device may transfer air by means of addingpositive pressure (“pumping”) or by exerting negative pressure(“sucking”) in order to cause air to flow in the desired fashion.

A used herein, the term “conduit” refers to a means for transferringair, such as a hoses, tubing (plastic e.g., tygon or rubber). pipes(metal or PVC), or ductwork (metal or foil coated) flexible).

As used herein, the term “contaminated environmental space air” refersto air that contains a level of at least one pollutant which is higherthan the level desired, or greater than the level recommended by anenvironmental health standard, within the environment space of anindividual breathing such air.

As used herein, the term “ornamental plants” refers to growing or cutflowers, e.g., roses, potted flowering plants, landscape shrubbery, ortrees.

As used herein, the term “drying agent(s): refers to agents that arecommonly used to remove moisture from the organic solvents. Commondrying agents include anhydrous calcium chloride, anhydrous calciumsulfate, magnesium sulfate, molecular sieves (4 Å), potassium carbonateand anhydrous sodium sulfate.

As used herein, “humidity controlling agents” refer to agents that areadded to an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid to control air humidity. Suchagents include inorganic salts such as sodium chloride, and the like andwater soluble liquids such as glycerin, ethylene glycol and the like.Such agents result in an aqueous solution that may be hygroscopic (waterabsorbing) to highly humid air, while water releasing to dry air/

As used herein, the term “super water absorbent” refers to superabsorbent polymers (SAP) such as sodium polyacrylate, andpolyacrylamides. A SAP can absorb as much as 500 times its weight inwater.

As used herein, the terms “biocide”, “disinfectant” and “sterilant”refers to one or more additives that can be added to the absorbablemedia to kill, control, or prevent mites, bacteria and their spores,fungi, molds, mildew and viruses, prolonging the service time of themedia and stop the spread or distribution of pathogens that causeinfectious diseases, such as tuberculosis or influenza. Examples includeantimicrobial agents, bactericides, fungicides, and anti-viral agents,such as bleach, quaternary ammonium salts, ortho-phthalaldehyde and thelike.

Table 1 below provides a non-limiting list of such materials which areincluded within the meaning of this term.

TABLE 1 Example Disinfectants/Biocides/Sterilants (Antimicrobial Agents)Antimicrobial Agent Compound Class Examples Notes Phenols phenol,cresols, 4-ethylphenol, Can be directly mixed with xylenols, triclosan,fentichlor, sparging solution. dichlorophane Aqueous can be modified toincrease solubility by using a surfactant or a co-solvent. Organic andAcetic acid, propionic acid, Can be directly mixed with inorganic acidsbenzoic acid, sorbic acid, ester sparging solution. If low ofp-hydroxybenzoic acid, solubility, (organic acid esters), salicylicacid, undecenoic acid, use a surfactant or a co-solvent. methylvanillate, dehyxoacetic acid Aromatic Diamidine, propamidine, Watersoluble so can be added diamidines dibromopropamidine to aqueoussparging solution. Biguanides Chlorhexidine, alexidine, Water soluble socan be added polymeric biguanides to aqueous sparging solution.Surface-active QACs: Cetrimide, domiphen Extremely water soluble so canagents: Cationic bromide, benzethonium be added to aqueous spargingagents chloride, benzalkonium solution. chloride, cetylpyridiniumchloride Aldehydes Glutaraldhyde, formaldehyde, o- Water solublePhthalaldehyde Antimicrobial Acridine, acrifilavine, Water soluble dyesaminacrine hydrochloride, proflavine hemisulphate, triphenylmethanedyes, quinones Halogens Iodine, iodophors, iodoform, Most of them can beused in hypochlorites, chloramine T, aqueous solution. dichloramine T,halazone, halane, bromine Quinoline and Bromochlorodimethylhydantoin,isoquinoline quinolines, isoquinolines derivatives Alcohols Ethanol,isopropanol, 2- penylethanol, 2-phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, bronopol(2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3- diol) Peroxygens Hydrogen peroxide,peracetic acid Chelating EDTA, EGTA, HEDTA, CDTA Chelate metal ions.agents Permeabilizers Poly-L-Lysine, lactoferrin, Increase bacteriasensitivity to transferrin biocides. Heavy metal Copper compounds suchas Use of metals are as derivatives copper sulphate; silverantimicrobials are well known. compounds such as silver ion, silversulfadiazine, nanosilver Anilides Salicylanilides, tribromsalan,C₆H₄NH—R function forms the diphenylurea, basis for antimicrobialtrichlorocarbanilide property. Miscellaneous Imidazole derivatives,Preservatives inhibit microbe preservatives isothiazolones, hexaminegrowth and also kill microbes derivatives, triazines, oxazolo- at higherconcentrations. oxaoles, methylene Essential oils may also providebisthiocyanate, captan, essential pleasant smells and they are oilsclosely related fragrances. Vapor-phase Ethylene oxide, formaldehydeSparging these liquid/additive disinfectants release agent mixturesdisinfect the air by (paraformaldehyde, melamine releasing an aerosolcontaining formaldehyde, urea the disinfecting agent; excessformaldehyde), disinfectant can then be betapropiolactone, propylenerecovered by separate sparging oxide, methyl bromide, with aliquid/additive mixture glycidaldehyde, ozone, carbon which traps suchdisinfectants. dioxide.

As used herein, the terms “bubbling” and “sparging”, usedinterchangeably, refer to the forced movement of air or other gas ormixture of gases, in which one or more contaminants may be dissolved orsuspended, through a liquid. The forced movement can be effected throughthe use of a pump or other air transferring device and is accomplishedby submersion of a tube or pipe containing the air, other gas or mixtureof gasses, below the surface of the liquid. The tip or outlet point ofthe tube which extends beneath the surface of the liquid may optionallycontain small holes, or be fitted with device to promote dispersion ofthe case throughout the liquid, such as a diffuser, an air stone, ormicro jet nozzles and the like. In the process of bubbling or sparging,the air, gas or mixture of gasses eventually rise to the surface abovethe liquid where they can be further pumped or can be released into theenvironmental space.

As used herein, the term “Relative Humidity” is defined as follows:

${{Relative}\mspace{14mu}{Humidity}} = {\frac{{actual}\mspace{14mu}{vapor}\mspace{14mu}{density}}{{saturation}\mspace{14mu}{vapor}\mspace{14mu}{density}} \times 100\;\%}$

The most common units for vapor density are g/m³. For example, if theactual vapor density is 10 g/m³ at 20° C. compared to the saturationvapor density at that temperature of 17.3 g/m3, then the relativehumidity is:

${R.H.} = {{\frac{10\mspace{11mu} g\text{/}m^{3}}{17.3\; g\text{/}m^{3}} \times 100\%} = {57.8\%}}$

As used herein, the terms “humidity buffering” refers to a process ofmoderating changes in relative humidity by exploiting the properties ofmaterials that have the ability to absorb and desorb water vapor to andfrom surrounding air. This is also referred to as moisture buffering.Humidity buffering methods are utilized for preserving items from damagethat could be caused by either excessively moist or dry conditions.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

Å angstrom

A ampere

AC alternating current

by boiling point

CDTA cyclohexylenedinitrilo)tetraacetic acid

CFM cubic feet per minute

COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

DC direct current

EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

EGTA ethylene glycol-bis((3-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid

HEDTA N-(hydroxyethyl)-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid

HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

Hz hertz

In inch

gal gallon

m meter

min minute

mL milliliter

mm millimeter

MEK methyl ethyl ketone

PAA poly(acrylic acid)

PEG(s) polyethylene glycol(s)

PEO(s) polyethylene oxide(s)

PFR percent formaldehyde reduction

PM 2.5 particulate matter of diameter 2.5 microns or less

PM 0.5 particulate matter of diameter 0.5 microns or less

PVC polyvinyl chloride

ppm part per million

QAC quaternary ammonium compound

qt quart

RH relative humidity

SAP super absorbent powder

Soln solution

SWA Super Water Absorbents

VOC(s) Volatile Organic Compound(s)

Tren tris(2-aminoethyl)amine

TVOC total volatile organic compound(s)

V volt

W watt

General Methods

Disclosed herein are methods for removal of airborne pollutants eitherfrom an enclosed space or outdoor environment, thereby protecting thecontents, humans and/or pets occupying the enclosed space or outdoorenvironment from these pollutants. Pollutants include particulate mattersuch as PM 2.5, PM 0.5, and other particles, heavy metals and otherharmful materials attached to those particles, formaldehyde, volatileorganic compounds, bacteria, virus particles. The method includes theremoval of such pollutants by passing the air from the enclosed space oroutdoor environment through a media, such as a liquid, a liquid mixedwith solid, a slurry, or a solid phase that is optional supported with aliquid. The liquid can be water alone, or an aqueous solution of areagent or scavenger, which removes or chemically reacts with thepollutant, leaving reaction products, if any, in the water. Once havingpassed through the absorbent media, the purified air is released intothe environmental space, via tubing or other conduit so that the qualityof the air within the environmental space is improved. The conduit mayoptionally be designed to direct the purified air directly to anindividual that can breathe the air, or diffused into the enclosed spaceor, if so designed with multiple conduits, into multiple spaces.

The method also optionally includes a means for transferring air fromthe space to an absorbent media. Air may be transferred by normal flowof air by movement of the device or user/device, or by ambient windcurrents, or by an air transferring device. The air transferring devicemay be an air pump, or fan or an air blower which exerts a positivepressure causing the air to be directed through the absorbent media bytubing, conduit, ducts and the like. Alternatively, the air may bedirected through the media in which the air transfer device is arrangedto create a negative pressure on the exit port of the media, causing theair to be drawn through the media by a sucking action. In addition, theair may be directed through the media using both a positive and anegative air transferring devices in tandem.

The air transferring device is typically one that is powered byelectricity, including AC current common to the region, or DC batterypowered, e.g., portable battery packs or batteries from a vehicle or asolar powered battery.

In contrast to typical large HVAC systems, aspects of the presentinvention provide removal of contaminants and humidity control with lessenergy use.

In accordance with this aspect, an air pumps capable of capturing theair in the enclosed space and moving it through an exit port can be usedas the air transferring device. The exit port can be fitted with tubing,pipes or similar flexible conduit to direct the captured air to theabsorbent media. For example, the tubing can be immersed in an absorbentliquid, such as water, water containing another solvent, scavenger orother additive, so the air from the exit port passes through the liquid.To improve the effectiveness of absorption of the pollutants in the exitport air, the tube may be fitted with a diffusing device such as airstone so that smaller air bubbles are formed. The agitation of the airin the water promotes mixing of the liquid absorbent media, but furtheragitation or stirring can also be applied to maximize contact of theexit port air with all components of the absorbent media. Thus thepollutants are collected in the absorbable media and depending on thepresence of additional scavenging agents, are further neutralized,chelated, entrained, or chemically transformed.

When two non-miscible liquids are used as the absorbent media, thepollutant is removed into one or both liquids. In one embodiment whentwo non-miscible liquids are used, one being water and the other ahydrophobic liquid such as silicone or vegetable oil, the pollutant isselectively extracted from the air by absorption into the water layerand the oily layer being less dense than water lays on top of the waterlayer, acting as a barrier preventing the water trapped pollutants forre-entering the enclosed space. The ratio of oily to aqueous liquids canbe adjusted. Another advantage of this system is that when the upperlayer is an oil, evaporation of water is reduced, particularly when thedevice is not in use. An additional advantage is that retention of watersoluble contaminants such as formaldehyde is improved.

Combinations of one or more aqueous or non-aqueous liquids can also beused, either combined in one vessel or can used individually indifferent vessels, e.g., one vessel can have water and another vesselcan oil. The selection of liquids and number of containers provides forcustomizing systems depending on the contaminants present. Furthermore,the disposal and replenishment of each liquid can be performed on anas-needed basis.

In other embodiments, the exit port air can be directed through acartridge filter which contains the absorbent media in the form of asolid matrix, slurry or liquid pre-absorbed onto the media. One suchexample is a cartridge filter which contains a solid support such ascotton, and the cotton contains pre-absorbed water up to the saturationpoint. Alternatively, another cartridge can be containing a dryingagent, such as anhydrous calcium chloride, sodium sulfate and the like.

Alternatively, the cartridge filter with a solid phase can be the firstmedia the air goes through followed by the liquid sparging solution.

Aspects of the invention include the use of additives, some of which arescavengers or neutralizers that facilitate the removal of contaminantsfrom the environmental space air.

The choice of additive is made based on the particular contaminant thatis to be removed. For example, for the removal of formaldehyde, one mayadd different additives known to be formaldehyde scavengers (such asdimedone or 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH)) into the spargingsolution. Adding a disinfectant such as hydrogen peroxide or peracidinto the sparging solution, one may control viruses, bacterial or moldspores. Such additives, or scavengers can be added in a spargingsolution as needed. In some aspects of the invention, multiple vesselsmay be used, each of which may contain a different absorbent liquid.

Other additives include microbial materials that are known to bebeneficial for the degradation of contaminants. These includeAlcanivorax borkumensis, Thalassolituus oleivorans (1) which are knownto digest hydrocarbons such as found in crude oil; White-rot fungi,known to degrade pentachlorophenol, trinitrotoluene, trichloroethylene,cyanide and polyaromatic hydrocarbons; enzymes. e.g., amylases, lipases,proteases, which are known to catalyze the hydrolysis of starches intosugars, the hydrolysis of fats, and hydrolysis of peptides,respectively.

For references to such additives, see

(1) Meet_the_Microbes_Eating_the_Gulf_Oil_Spill.pdf (© 2010 ScientificAmerican)

(2) “Pesticide Decontamination and Detoxification” Edited by Jay J. Gan,Peter C. Zhu, Steven D. Aust, and Ann T. Lemley, American ChemicalSociety. Chapter 1. Page 3.

(3) Richard B. Silverman, The Organic Chemistry of Enzyme-catalyzedReactions, 2nd ed. (London, England: Academic Press, 2002), page 1.

(4) Svendsen A (2000). “Lipase protein engineering”. Biochim BiophysActa 1543 (2): 223-228. doi:10.1016/50167-4838(00)00239-9. PMID11150608.

It is to be understood that some additives may be mutually incompatibleand cannot be placed in the same vessel together. Examples of such wouldbe mixing of acids and bases such as sulfuric acid and an amine, strongoxidants and reducible materials such as permanganate and glycol. Thoseskilled in the art would recognize such incompatible additives and notmake such combinations. On the other hand, an advantageous aspect of theinvention is that such normally incompatible additives can be placed inseparate vessels when more than one vessel is used in a sparging system,such as in FIGS. 10-15, and because of their different properties,enhance the utility of the system for the removal of wide variety ofcontaminants.

Another incompatible example is microorganisms, used to degradepollutants, and disinfectants. However, one aspect of the presentdisclosure includes a system of two containers, e.g., A and B: ContainerA can contain bacteria for digesting petroleum oil and similar chemicalssuch as gasoline etc., and Container B can have disinfectants to killbacteria.

Some volatile compounds can be also added to absorbent liquid asadditives for achieving similar or different functions. For example,bleach can be used for air disinfection; others such as fragrances,e.g., vanilla can be added. Release of the desirable disinfectant orfragrance can be controlled by sparging through the absorbent liquidthat contains substances (additives) of low solubility in the absorbentliquid, and/or with a vapor pressure sufficient to cause release intothe environmental space. The amount of disinfectant can be controlled tothe desirable level by varying the properties of the absorbent liquid.

Some additives can also serve as indicators, i.e., to alert a user ofthat absorbent liquid has lost effectiveness, and should be changed orreplenished. For example, the presence of formaldehyde can be detectedcolorimetrically using 2,4-diintrophenyydrazine (DNPH).

Some additives, such as salt, may be suspended in the absorbent liquidin excess beyond saturation in order to extend the absorbing liquid(sparging solution) use time, allowing the prolonged use of the spargingsolutions and avoiding frequent replenishment of the sparging solution.Through a simple calculation, one may determine the amount of extrasolid NaCl that is needed to be added to a sparging solution in order toachieve certain length of time for effective humidity control. Forexample, the solubility of NaCl is 359 g/L or 35.9 g/100 mL, thus if 359g excess solid NaCl is added to a NaCl saturated solution, this excessNaCl will be able to take 1 liter of water from the air moisture to formsaturated NaCl solution, which can continue take water from moist air.

It is also understood that in addition to vessels containing absorbentliquids, the sparging systems may have additional features to enhancethe removal of contaminants such as a solid phase filter, as shown inFIG. 12, or an air washing shower (i.e. scrubber) as shown in FIG. 15.An advantage of this aspect of the present invention is that by priorsparging of air in the systems as shown, less contaminant burden fallson the solid phase filters thereby increasing their useful life.

Methods described for the neutralization of o-phthaladehyde can beapplied to the neutralization of formaldehyde. Such methods andadditives are described in the following patents:

-   -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,145,043 Non-Hazardous oxidative neutralization        of aldehydes    -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,041,220 Method of use for aldehyde removal    -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,012,163 Non-hazardous oxidative neutralization        of aldehydes    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,904 Device and method of use for aldehyde        removal    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,670,520 Reductive amination for aldehyde        neutralization    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,531,634 Non-hazardous oxidative neutralization        of aldehydes

Such methods are also reviewed in a chapter that summarizes OPAneutralization. [See the “Pesticide Decontamination and Detoxification”,Edited by Jay J. Gan, Peter C. Zhu, Steven D. Aust, and Ann T. Lemley,American Chemical Society.], Chemical Detoxifying Neutralization ofortho-Phthalaldehyde: Seeking the “Greenest”

Reactions of formaldehyde are also reviewed by Walker (J. FredericWalker, “Formaldehyde” 2nd (1953) and 3rd Ed (1975). and refs therein.American Chemical Society, Monograph Series).

Also see Peter C. Zhu, Charles G. Roberts, and, Jiejun Wu, PesticideDecontamination and Detoxification, Chapter 7, pp 85-97, ACS SymposiumSeries, Vol. 863, Jul. 23, 2009; American Chemical Society, for relatedmethods.

Other scavengers that can be used in absorbable media include starches,ammonia and simple amino acids that react with formaldehyde, such ascyclic dextrans, glycine etc.

When absorbable media contains water, the continual passage of air candeplete the amount of water and potentially reduce the effectiveness ofthe media. To prevent or mitigate this possibility, hydrogels which havea high affinity for water may be used in the absorbable media. Amongthese are Super Water Absorbents (SWA) such as polyacrylic acid (PAA),polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyacrylonitrile.Circulation of the air in the enclosed space, e.g., by ventilating fans,etc., help maintain the moisture level on the absorbable media.

As a way to prolong the time that an absorbable media is useful and killthe microorganisms from the air, a biocide in an effective amount can beadded to the media to prevent or destroy any bacteria, virus, mold, orfungus that may form the media. Such biocides include such bactericidesknown in the art such as bleach, quaternary ammonium salts, orortho-phthaldehyde. Antimicrobial agents such as berberine from plantsor the plant materials that contain antimicrobial agents can be alsoused.

Detergents, i.e., surfactants can optionally be added to the absorbablemedia as a way to improve the efficiency of the media. The particulardetergent to be used will depend on the characteristic of the pollutantsto be removed, and rely on the properties of the detergent to enhancethe solubility of the pollutant in the media, e.g., by formation ofmicelles, and thereby reduce volatility of the pollutant, lowering thelikelihood that it would be re-released into the enclosed space.Cationic (including quaternary ammonium salts), anionic, zwitterionic,or non-ionic detergents, (e.g., polyethylene glycols, (PEGs) andpolyethylene oxides (PEOs) can be used.

Additives to liquid absorbable media can be supplied in smallpre-measured packages and mixed with the liquid (aqueous) media, whichis then placed in the reservoir. As the effectiveness of the liquidabsorbable media diminishes, it may be removed and replaced. Removal canbe accomplished manually, or by an arrangement of discharge valves andoutlet tubing. Similarly, replacement of the liquid can be done manuallyor through an arrangement of inlet tubing and valves. The valves (eitherinlet or outlet) can be operated manually, or through an automaticmechanism, for example, activated when the level of liquid absorbablemedia reaches a prescribed minimum level, or the when the concentrationof either additive or absorbed pollutant reaches a specific level.

It is advantageous when using water-containing absorbent media tomaintain the enclosed space within a desired range of relative humidity,e.g., from 50 to 60% relative humidity. Super Water Absorbents can beused both to remove excess water from overly humid air, butpre-moistened SWAs can also release water to excessively dry air.Monitoring the humidity can be done by metering, or through colorindicators, and moisture levels can be adjusted periodically to maintainthis humidity, either by manual addition or automatically, for exampleby a relay valve which detects a decrease in the water levels of areservoir tank.

The absorbent media included in the invention is situated in such a wayas to be exposed to as much of the air containing pollutants aspossible. This includes both solid and liquid media.

In one aspect of the invention, air from the enclosed space is pumpedinto a reservoir containing water. Water acts as the absorbent medium,and is particularly effect in absorbing from the air, pollutants with ahigh affinity for water, such as formaldehyde and ozone. The contact ofthe air with from the water may be enhanced if the air is dispersed intosmall bubbles by means of diffusing device, although such a device isnot a requirement. An example of a diffusing device is an air stone. Theaction of the bubbling the air from the enclosed space into the waterreservoir is also known as sparging. Efficient sparging takes place asmeasured by the time required to remove an amount of pollutant pervolume of the air treated.

In another aspect of the invention, air from the outdoor environment ispassed collected by suction from an air transfer device or by naturalair currents and allowed to pass through an absorbent medium, such as acartridge filter containing a solid or solid treated with a liquid, or areservoir containing a liquid such as water or water containing areagent or scavenger.

In another aspect of the invention, a solvent can be added to the waterto improve the affinity and efficiency of the sparging. For example,addition of a water soluble solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone, ort-butyl alcohol, to improve the hydrophobicity of the liquid media, canimprove efficiency in removal of volatile organic compounds, especiallythose containing hydrophobic hydrocarbons such as hexanes, benzene,toluene, xylenes, gasoline, kerosene and the like.

In another aspect of the invention, solvents other than water can beused as the absorbent media to suit the characteristics of the pollutantto be removed. Such solvents include methyl ethyl ketone, t-butylalcohol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone and the like.

In another embodiment of the invention, a non-water miscible liquid canbe added to the water, as a means to improve the retention of pollutantsthat have been absorbed into the water. Such liquids include vegetableoils, silicone oils, polyethylene glycols, and the like.

Aspects of the invention include the use of absorbent media whosechemical properties are matched to the specific physical properties of apollutant to be removed, in order to facilitate its removal.

For example, organic scavengers or chelating agents can be added to theabsorbent media to facilitate the removal of specific pollutants. Forexample, chelating agents that form complexes with metal ions can beused to used metal ion-containing particulates. In addition, chemicalreagents can be added to the absorbent media which change thecomposition of the pollutant. Examples such reagents include enzymes,oxidizing agents, such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, nitrates,permanganates and many others, reducing agents such as Vitamin C,tannins, polyphenols and the like, and neutralizing agents such asbicarbonate, amines or sulfites to remove acidic pollutants, or ammoniumchloride, sulfuric acid, and the like to remove basic pollutants, or pHbuffering agents to remove either acidic or basic pollutants. Dependingon the pollutants that are present, a customized blend of mutuallycompatible reagents may be used in a single absorbable medium, or insequence; i.e., allowing the air to flow from one to the next; in orderto effect complete removal.

Additional examples of oxidation or reducing agents, known to thoseskilled in the art can be found from “Handbook of Reagents for OrganicSynthesis, Oxidizing and Reducing Agents” Steven D. Burke (Editor), RickL. Danheiser (Editor) ISBN: 978-0-471-97926-5 564 pages July 1999.

Aspects of the invention also include the use of absorbent media whosephysical characteristics are matched to the specific physical propertiesof a pollutant in order to facilitate its removal. For example, in onesuch embodiment, pollutants can be removed because of its highsolubility in particular solvent used as the absorbent media. In anotherexample, pollutants may be absorbed by physical entrapment orentrainment on the surface of certain solid absorbent media such asmolecular sieves, silica gel, carbon and the like.

Another embodiment of this aspect is the placement of living organisms,e.g., plants or animals in the vessel with properties that canneutralize a pollutant. For example, one plant material that exists inan aqueous environment and has an affinity for the contaminants to beremoved is water lettuce. Similarly, sparging of the environmental airinto a vessel containing a liquid that is suitable as an aquaticenvironment for fish can be used; the fish naturally produce urea,ammonia and other amines which can react with formaldehyde and remove itfrom the environmental air.

In still another embodiment, a UV light may be installed inside thesparging vessel to provide added functionality, namely: (1) to catalyzereactions that can be used for decomposing some hazardous compounds. Oneexample is the oxidation of formaldehyde with oxygen, catalyzed withTiO₂ and UV light; and (2) to disinfect the air (by disinfecting the airin the vessel.)

Using a UV light in conjunction with this apparatus has severaladvantages. As air is transferred into the vessel, the UV light can bespecifically directed to the air in such a way that disinfection willtake place. In addition, the UV light used in this matter will becontained the walls of the vessel, blocking hazardous exposure toindividuals in the same area.

ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

Formaldehyde Removal

It has been shown that formaldehyde is readily removed by sparging thecontaminated air through a vessel containing water as the absorbentliquid. Even in the absence of formaldehyde neutralizers or scavengersas additives, water is an effective solvent for formaldehyde because ofits high solubility in water. The high formaldehyde solubility is due tothe hydration of formaldehyde in water. Formaldehyde forms methylenediol or hydrated formaldehyde. Methylene diol, compared to formaldehydeitself, is much more stable in water and gaseous formaldehyde in the airis highly volatile.

While sparging of the environmental air contaminated with formaldehydecan be achieved using a single vessel containing aformaldehyde-absorbent liquid, such as water, an aspect of the presentincludes a dual sparging solution system using two vessels or reservoirsfor removal or trapping formaldehyde. This allows for more thoroughremoval because after the first sparging solution, the remainingformaldehyde vapor exiting the first vessel is again spared through thesecond vessel solution to effectively significantly reduce theformaldehyde concentration.

The humidity control as provided in one aspect of the present inventionis of added benefit for the application of the invention for aircleaning, such as for formaldehyde removal. Without humidity control theuse of water alone as absorbent liquid, while removing formaldehydecould raise the humidity level of the environmental space tounacceptable levels. In addition, sparging into a vessel containingwater in the absence of a humidity modifier additive will producepurified, but highly humid air, raising the humidity of the remove andrequiring frequent replenishing or replacement of the water in thevessel. However, through the use of other absorbent liquids such assaturated sodium chloride or glycerin, the formaldehyde is removed andhumidity remains in a desired level. Many other materials can serve thesame purpose as drying agents, including most inorganic salts and superwater absorbents (SWA). Details can be found from the book: “Desiccantsand humectants (Chemical technology review)” 1973 by Ronald W James.

A feature of this aspect is that the level of the absorbent liquid ismaintained throughout the bubbling process, as compared to the use ofwater alone.

In another aspect of the invention, the absorbent liquid can be purewater (only) which is frequently changed and discarded as pollutants areremoved. This would be especially for initial use when the air is highlycontaminated or dirty, such as found in new construction, where the airis heavily polluted; (2) use formulated liquid which lasts for long timedue to evaporation control. Once the air is has reached a lower level ofcontamination, the absorbent liquid can be changed to one which does notreadily evaporate and can control humidity.

Examples of sparging systems for removal of formaldehyde appear belowand in the Figures.

Removal of Other Air-Born Contaminants

Other aspects of the invention are direct to the removing otherundesirable and/or toxic materials from the air. Such other contaminantsinclude volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides (NiO_(x)), ozone,carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, heavy metals, in either elemental or ascompounds, such as lead or mercury, radon, ammonia (gas), exhaustemissions from internal combustion engines, power plants or industrialmanufacturing operations. A further non-limiting summary of suchcontaminants appear in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Other Common Air Pollutants and Their Properties, Useful forRemoval by Sparging. Air Pollutant Properties of Note Ozone Watersolubility = 1.05 g/L (at −0° C.); decomposes in water over time, rateof decomposition can be increased by increasing pH. Particulate Spargingremoves particles by suspending them in water without the use Matter ofHEPA filters; surfactants can assist in capturing hydrophobic materialsin water. Nitrogen A pH buffer or mild base can be used to neutralizethe e acid reaction Oxides products of NO₂ with water Sulfur Watersoluble; a pH buffer of mild base can be used to neutralized the dioxideacidic product. Lead, Common pollutant is tetraethyl lead ((CH₃CH₂)₄Pb)from combustion of metallic or leaded gasoline. sparingly soluble inwater but highly soluble in organic compounds solvents/oils. Mercury,Mercury compounds and elemental mercury have high vapor pressureselemental at room temperature and are lipid soluble. or compoundsTVOC 1. Aromatic hydrocarbons: Benzene, toluene, Ethylbenzene,m/p-Xylene, o-Xylene, n- propylbenzene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene,1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, 2- ethyltoluene, Styrene, Naphthalene,4-Phenylcyclohexene, 2. Aliphatic hydrocarbons: n-Hexane, n-heptane,n-octane, n-nonane, n-decane, n-undecane, n- dodecane, n-tridecane,n-tetradecane, n-pentadecane, n-hexadecane, 2-methylpentane,3-methylpentane, 1-octene, 1-decene 3. Cycloalkanes Methylcyclopentane,cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane 4. Terpenes 3-Carene, alpha-pinene,beta-pinene, limonene 5. Alcohols 2-Propanol, 1-butanol,2-ethyl-1-hexanol 6. Glycols/glycoethers 2-Methoxyethanol,2-ethoxyethanol, 2-butoxyethanol, 2- butoxyethoxyethanol 7. AldehydesFormaldehyde, Butanal, Pentanal, Hexanal, Nonanal, Benzaldehyde 8.Ketones Methyl ethyl ketone, Methyl isobutyl ketone, Cyclohexanone,Acetophenone 9. Halocarbons Trichloroethene, Tetrachloroethene,1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,4- Dichlorobenzene 10. Carboxylic Acids Aceticacid, Formic Acid, Hexanoic acid 11. Esters Ethyl acetate, Butylacetate, isopropyl acetate, 2-Ethoxyethyl acetate, TXlB (Texanolisobutyrate) 12. Other compounds 2-Pentylfuran, THF (Tetrahydrofuran)Ammonia Ammonia is highly soluble in water and forms salts with acids.Dilute to medium concentrated acids can be used to capture ammonia fromair and to convert the salts for disposal. Ammonia is also a strongformaldehyde neutralizer and the vapor has been used to fumigate houseswith heavy formaldehyde pollution. Removal of the excess ammonia fromthe air can be accomplished by sparging technology. Radon Radon is anoble gas, chemically not active. Radon is sparingly soluble in water,and is appreciably more soluble in organic liquids than in water. Thusan effecting sparging solution for radon can be a liquid such asvegetable oil, in place of or in addition to, water. Tobacco A complexmixture of particulates and VOCs. One component, nicotine, Smoke issoluble in water and nonpolar solvents; some of the other alkaloidcompounds are either water or organic solvent soluble. Tar dissolves inorganic solvent. Carbon Can be trapped by forming chelates or complexesin aqueous or organic Monoxide solutions.

Included in the category of air-born pollutants is tobacco smoke; itsremoval reduces or eliminates exposure of individuals to “second handsmoke”. Systems as described in the examples below and the figuresprovide for methods that can be used in places where users are not ableto prevent such smoke from occurring such as hotel rooms, public areassuch as airports, train stations, offices and restrooms. The rooms maybe subjected to air cleaning using the sparging method described inorder to remove smoke that may be present. The air in multiple rooms ofa house, hotel or office building can be purified simultaneously by asingle, central apparatus, with appropriate conduits for collecting andreturning the air to each room. The most harmful chemicals in tobaccosmoke can be removed easily by current technology. Nicotine is bothwater soluble and also oil soluble. A few other chemicals, likenicotine, belong to alkaloids, can be easily retained by acidic liquidafter forming salts. These salts are no longer volatile which areotherwise very difficult to scavenge. Other harmful components such ascarbon monoxide, cyanide can be also removed after passing a liquidphase.

Another aspect of the invention is to control foul odors by sparging,for example in restrooms or workplaces where such odors occur. By usingan absorbent liquid, containing an oxidant or other neutralizer, removalof known odor causing vapors such as sulfur-containing organics,hydrogen sulfide, thiols and the like can be readily removed. Additivesthat employ complex or precipitation technology can be combined eitherin series or together with the oxidants to reduce the volatility of thestench-causing compound sand make them to stay in absorbent liquid. Forexample, an additive would be the use of simple metal ions such as Cu²⁺,which forms stable precipitates or complexes with many undesirablecontaminants containing thiol (—SH) groups. These S-containing compoundsare often degraded protein materials causing bad order and smell. Onemay also use vegetable oil as the absorbent liquid in order to dissolvehydrophobic compounds, e.g., thiols.

Application of this aspect of the invention can be applied to theremoval of contaminants found inside an automobile passengercompartment. Contaminants found therein may be formaldehyde,plasticizers or other volatile organic compounds, often as a result ofprolonged exposure of the automobile to sunlight which excessively heatsthe interior. The sparging systems described above and in the Examplesand Figures can be used to remove these contaminants; electricity can beprovided by the automobile battery/generator from either the DC port(Cigarette lighter”) or by direct wiring to the electrical system of thecar.

An application of the described technology also includes providing freshair for partially enclosed spaces found in other vehicles, such as childcribs, sleeping tents, small toy vehicles such as children's carts, aswell as wheel chairs or mobile carts for non-ambulatory individuals.

For sparging the air in such situations, a vessel or vessels can beplaced inside the vehicle itself, or inside the trunk, or attached tothe body of the vehicle. to the partial. One embodiment of this aspectincludes the use of the wind-shied washer reservoir as the vesselcontaining the absorbent liquid, to which is placed compatible liquidssuch as water based or glycerin based liquids.

Pathogen and Disease Control

Aspects of the present invention are also useful for disease control orprevention, by for air cleaning to remove and/or disinfect pathogenssuch as bacteria, fungi, viruses, pollen or other allergens. Dependingon the additives, sparging of the air through the absorbent liquid canbe effective in removing such pathogens. As a result, exposure tocontaminated air is reduced, both to humans and pets, but also toobjects such as food, paper products, textiles and wood, susceptible toattack by such pathogens,

These applications are not limited to homes and can be expanded easilyto hospitals (important for modern medical challenges), public placesand manufacturing industries. Schools, offices, airports can be alsoincluded. Flu and TB prevention/control are important two importantdiseases/changes people face every day.

Concentrated NaCl is bacteriostatic and is a safe and economical methodto control microorganism growth in the air when used by the methodsdescribed herein. For example, bacteria such as TB, SARS' viruses suchas influenza, and mold will not be able to grow in the concentratedsodium chloride solution. This is extremely important for control ofseasonal viruses such as flu. Aspects of the current invention providesa method for reduce exposures of individuals to common and seasonalillnesses such as flu. and because it is passive in nature, does notrequire precise timing such as flu shots, in order to be effective.

Other disinfectants and antimicrobials can also be used as additives tocontrol or destroy pathogens and undesired organism. General referencesto such are listed below.

-   -   “Antimicrobial Agents”, Andre Brisker, American Society for        Microbiology, ISBN 1-55581-237-6.    -   “Disinfection, Sterilization, and preservation”, Seymour S.        Block, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 5th Edition, ISBN        0-683-30740-1.    -   “Natural Food Antimicrobial Systems”, A. S. Naidu, CRC, ISBN        0-8493-2047-X.    -   “Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and        Sterilization”, 3rd edition, A. D. Russell, W. B. Hugo        and G. A. J. Ayliffe, Blackwell Science.

Common disinfectants include bleach, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogenperoxide adducts, strong acids and their diluted solution, strong basesand their diluted solutions, ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA), glutaraldehyde,formaldehyde, povidone-iodine (PVP-I), iodine, iodophores, quaternaryammonium compounds (Quats or QACs), polyquats such as polyquaternium-42,quaternium-15, chlorhexidine gluconate, alcohols (ethanol, isopropylalcohol), perchlorometaxylenol, and triclosan.

Preservatives, e.g., for cosmetics, can also be used as described in thefollowing references:

-   -   “Preservatives for Cosmetics” D. D. Steinberg, Cosmetics &        Toiletries® magazine, ISBN 0-931710-54-5.    -   “Handbook of Topical Antimicrobials”, Barnyl S. Paulson, Marcel        Dekker, ISBN 0-8247-0788-5.

Most preservatives inhibit microorganism growth and kill microorganismsat higher concentration. Examples of these preservatives include benzoicacid, benzyl alcohol, bronopol, chlorhexidine, chloroxylenol,diazolidinyl urea, dichlorobenzyl alcohol, DMDM hydantoin,imidazolidinyl urea, isothiazolinones, parabens, phenylethyl alcohol,phenoxyethanol and its mixtures, quaternium-15, sorbic acid and salts,dimethyl hydroxymethyl pyrazole, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate,methyldibromo glutaronitrile, polyquaternium-42, sodiumhydroxymethylglycinate, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride,chloroacetamide, chlorobutanol, dimethoxane, dimethyl oxazolidine,7-ethyl bicyclooxazolidine, hexetidine, mercury compounds, orthophenylphenol, polyaminopropyl biguanide, polymethoxy bicyclicoxazolidine, sodium borate and boric acid, sodium iodate, concentratedsalts, sugars or other compounds.

Natural preservatives or antimicrobials are also well known and can beuseful additives for controlling pathogens and other undesirableorganisms; see “Naturally Occurring Antimicrobials in Food” CAST(Council for Agricultural Science and Technology), ISBN 1-887383-12-3.Examples of these include organic acids antimicrobials such as aceticacid, benzoic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid etc., antimicrobialplant substances such as those from garlic and onion, phenolic compoundsin spices and herbs, hops, coffee, tea, Kola and Cocoa, phytoalexins,polypeptide antimicrobials such as berberine, lytic enzymes, peroxidasesand oxidases, transferrins, antimicrobial peptides, some essential oils,tea tree extracts or tea tree oil (see. “The Antimicrobial Properties ofEssential Oils”, Pauline Hili, Winter Press, 2001, ISBN 1874581835.

In one aspect, the use of disinfectants safely by the sparging methodscan be carried out with two vessels. The first vessel can contain theabsorbent liquid with a disinfectant, and the second vessel can be usedto remove any the disinfectant in order to prevent its entry into theenclosed space.

Biocides/disinfectants/antimicrobials that are non-volatile, such assalts, quats, polyquats, and berberine, can be used as additives toreduce or eliminate the safety risks. Thebiocides/disinfectants/antimicrobials are used at a level whicheffectively removes the pollutants from the contaminated air, but atconcentration ranges that do add any risk to the occupants.Biocidal/disinfectant/antimicrobial effectiveness can often be achievedusing materials generally regarded as safe (GRAS). One such example isthe use of NaCl, or table salt, which can be used to inhibit bacterialcontrol effectively in the current invention.

Biocidal action may also be achieved by incorporating a UV light in theapparatus used. For example, a UV light source can be installed so thatthe absorbent media and/or the air within the vessel is exposed to asufficient amount of UV light to disinfect the air, and/or catalyzereactions that promote decomposition of hazardous compounds, e.g., theTiO₂ ⁻ catalyzed oxidation of formaldehyde.

Outdoor Pollution Control

Another aspect of the present invention provides for methods andapparatuses for removal and providing purified air to a user in anoutdoor environmental space.

Sparging systems as described above and in the Examples and Figures canbe adapted for portable use for an individual engaged in outdooractivities, such as hiking, walking, or shopping. In addition, portabledevices can be used as needed in a safety enclosure in an emergency orlife-threatening situation where environmental air contains lethallevels of a pollutant, arising for example, from fires, explosions,industrial accidents including as spills and other toxic substancereleases, and the like.

The air transfer device can be an air pump powered by a rechargeablebattery. For example, FIGS. 53-56 illustrate sparging systems for use byan individual with special breathing needs because of illness (a patientwho is a regular CPAP user) which incorporates and a prep-TLC tank, or amodified prep-TLC tank container filled with ⅖ level water with an airpurifier. The system works well and the result, per the user'sexperience and opinion, was not different from his CPAP device use.

The sparging system with a battery system can be carried for example, ona bicycle motorcycles or the other motorized bikes. Power can besupplied by a bicycle electricity generator or by existing vehiclebatteries. Solar energy can also be utilized. Electricity consumption isgenerally low, particularly if the fresh air supplied is only to thearea the surrounding of one's nose. This makes solar power or batterypower feasible.

Another aspect of this is illustrated in FIG. 56, with the use offace-shield for motorcycle or bike riding. Some examples are illustratedbelow. With minor changes, positive air flow from sparging system can beintroduced between the face and shield for clean air breath. Otherexisting motorcycle helmets may be adapted to incorporate the system aswell. The gap between the face and the shield (especially on the edges)can be designed/adjusted so the positive flow from the sparging systemis good enough to prevent the outside air from coming into forcompetition.

Removal of Contaminant Mixtures

It is frequently the case that more than one pollutant or contaminantwill be present in the environmental airspace in which treatment isdesired. In such situations, multiple additives may be necessary for theremoval of such pollutants. Table 3 provides a listing of additives thatcan be placed in the absorbent liquid to remove specific pollutants.Where removal of more than one contaminant is desired, multiple vesselsmay be used, in series or parallel, (as shown in the FIGS. 8-12) eachcharged with the absorbent liquid/additive mixture as appropriate.

TABLE 3 Additive mixtures Suggested Sparging Solution System(s) in Oneor More Vessels Airborne Contaminants (liquid + additive mixture)Formaldehyde + dusts 1. Water or NaCl solution 2. Water with an amineFormaldehyde + Ozone 1. Water or NaCl solution 2. Water with a reducingagent Formaldehyde + cigarette smoke Water and a non-polar solventFormaldehyde, high TVOC Water and a non-polar solvent Cigarette smokeWater and a non-polar solvent Cigarette smoke + cooking smell Water anda non-polar solvent Flu viruses + dusts 1. Concentrated NaCl 2. Dilutedbleach 3. Lysol solution Flu viruses + TB 1. Concentrated NaCl 2.Diluted bleach Lead dust + Et₄Pb + Pb²⁺ Water, vegetable oil, Option:EDTA Ammonia + TVOC Acidic water and a non-polar solvent Gasolinevapors + high Pb Water with EDTA and a non-polar pollution solventNitrogen oxides, SO₃, SO₂, and Acidic solution with another basicammonia solution Formaldehyde + flu virus 1. Bleach (or chlorhexidine)solution; 2. NaCl solution Formaldehyde + Ozone 1. Bleach 2. Reducingagent such as ascorbic acid Formldehyde + heavy metal Aqueousgallocatechol ions Unknown microorganism Bleach (potential biohazard)High level formaldehyde (new NH₃ fumigation followed by sparging rooms)with HCl solution to recover excess NH₃ from air. House with mold smell(after 1. Bleach solution (with concentrated long vacation) NaCl) 2.Concentrated NaCl solution A wet room with mold 1. Bleach solution 2.Concentrated glycerinHumidity Control

Recently, there has been an interest in the field of building scienceand architecture in using humidity buffering as a passive indoor climatecontrol, thus reducing the need for air conditioning and ventilation. Anexample is silica gel which is used to buffer relative humidity insidemuseum display cases, packaged clothing, electronics and anything thatmight be damaged by condensation, or in the example of museum displaycases, being too low an RH (relative humidity) as the silica will helpprotect the objects displayed from mechanical damage due to shrinkingand growing with RH changes. There is also a particular need to controlhumidity in geographic areas subject to seasonal variations of climate,resulting in uncomfortable conditions for occupants, and for conditionswhich may result in spoilage of food or goods from spoilage or insectdamage.

An aspect of the current invention provides a method for humiditybuffering. in and enclosed space, thus reducing the need for airconditioning and ventilation. The relative humidity is controlled bytaking advantage of the hygroscopic property of an aqueous solutioncontaining a humidity controlling agent. In practice, the humidity canbe controlled in several ways depending on the ambient relative humidityof the environmental air and the exact composition of the aqueoussolution/controlling agent. For example, a glycerin/water solution mayserve as drying purpose if a high concentration of glycerin is used.This drying power will diminish if enough water is captured by thesparging system. Conversely, if the glycerin concentration is low enoughor if the environment is dry enough, a glycerin/water solution canreturn water to the air using the same device Thus, a desired humiditycan be reached and maintained by the sparging apparatus, by selectingthe appropriate water/glycerin/additive combination.

The use of sodium chloride solution especially a more concentratedsodium chloride solution has several advantages. Sodium chloride isinexpensive, non-toxic, household chemical which is easily available.The humidity range from the sparging technology falls in the comfortablerange for human beings and many other animals including pets (40-70% forhuman). This makes saturated sodium chloride a very practical liquid forhumidity control, in that one may conveniently dispose the used spargingsolution.

By use of the aspects taught in the present invention, humidity can becontrolled so that the comfort range is achieved. For example, in FIG.24, a sparging system is illustrated in which two vessels are utilized,each of which containing a separate liquid. Solution A for example maycontain a solution such as sat sodium chloride which will removemoisture from the air and Solution B may contain just water which willadd humidity to the air. It would be expected that feedback from sensorsfor humidity can be coupled either mechanically or electronically to aswitch as illustrated, directing air to one vessel or the other asneeded, in order to maintain relative humidity in the desired range.Other absorbent liquids, such as glycerin, or an absorbent liquidadditive mixture can be used for the control of humidity of the enclosedspaces, as shown in the examples below.

Temperature Control

In another aspect of the invention, the temperature of the air beingtreated can be controlled by controlling the temperature of theabsorbent liquid, and the volume of liquid used in the vessel. In oneembodiment of this aspect, the vessel can be a large reservoir of waterthat originates from natural sources, such as lakes, rivers, streams orground water which are normally found at a constant temperature, usuallycooler than summer air temperatures found in environmental spaces andwarmer than that found in winter. The sparging of the air through such alarge reservoir of water will result in heat exchange from the air tothe water, cooling the air in summer, and warming it in winter. This cantake place concomitantly with removal of pollutants from the same air.

The water from these sources can be used as the absorbent liquid, eitheralone or in combination with additives as described above. Disposal ofthe liquid used in the treatment in which contaminants may be presentcan be returned to the original source either directly, or aftertreatment by conventional means is required to remove undesirablecontaminants captured from the air. In one embodiment, the contaminatedwater can be stored in temporary holding tanks which can bedecontaminated by additives, flocculants and the like, or be exposed tosunlight, or added UV light, to bring about chemical degradation of thecontaminants, with the optional addition of catalysts such as titaniumdioxide. The holding tank may also function as a heat exchanger,allowing the contents to reach ambient temperatures; this embodimentwould be effective in regions where the day/night temperature rangediffers significantly.

Ground water sources are typically wells, which are at a depth below theearth surface to provide water of a desirable constant temperature,typically in the range of from about 10° C. to about 25° C.

It is anticipated in this aspect that the conduits, pumping equipment,and vessels will be insulated so that the temperature of the water willbe kept within the desirable range. It is also anticipated that asbefore, the addition of additive would be beneficial for controllingevaporation of the liquid, growth of unwanted bacteria or fungi.

Specific Aspects

The disclosed compositions and methods include at least the followingaspects:

Aspect 1. A method for the removal of one or more contaminants fromcontaminated environmental space air, while optionally and independentlyimproving the temperature and level of relative humidity of the air,comprising the steps of

-   -   a) passing the contaminated environmental space air, by means of        an air transferring device, through an absorbent liquid medium        contained in a vessel, wherein the temperature and        hygroscopicity of the liquid medium are optionally and        independently controlled, said liquid medium optionally        containing one or more additives capable of interacting with the        contaminants;    -   b) allowing the contaminated environmental space air to come in        contact with the absorbent liquid medium and optional additives        such that one or more contaminants from the contaminated        environmental space air are transferred into the absorbent        liquid medium and are thereby removed to produce decontaminated        environmental space air, and the temperature and humidity of the        air are optionally and independently improved;    -   c) releasing the decontaminated environmental space air from the        vessel into the environmental space, thereby lowering the level        of one or more contaminants in the environmental space air, and        optionally and independently improving the temperature and        humidity of the environmental space air.

Aspect 2. A method according to Aspect 1 wherein

-   -   the absorbent liquid medium is one or more liquids selected from        the group consisting of water, an aliphatic alcohol, an        aliphatic polyol, an aliphatic ketone, vegetable oil, animal        fat, a polyethylene glycol, and silicone oil, and mixtures        thereof; and    -   the optional additives are selected from the group consisting of        an alkali metal salt, polyethylene glycol, sodium bisulfite,        carbon black, a reducing sugar, Vitamin C, zinc oxide, silver        nitrate, a mineral acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide,        bleach, a quaternary ammonium salt, glycerin, a hydrogel, a        hydro sol, a super water absorbent, EDTA, silica gel, alumina,        absorbent clay, an organic polymer, starch, an amino acid, a        cyclic dextran, a C₁-C₆ mono-, di- or trialkyl amine, a polymer        amine, a detergent, a biocide, an organic scavenger, a        fragrance, an air freshener, a microbe capable of degrading a        pollutant, a detergent, ammonia, a disinfectant, an aquatic        plant, a rare earth metal catalyst, and a sterilant.

Aspect 3. The method of Aspect 2, wherein the absorbent liquid isselected from water, glycerin and mixtures thereof, the optionaladditive is sodium chloride, and one of the contaminants is selectedfrom formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, and bacteria.

Aspect 4. A method for the removal of one or more contaminants fromenvironmental space air comprising the steps of

-   -   a) passing contaminated environmental space air, by means of an        air transferring device, sequentially through n independently        selected absorbent liquid media contained in m vessels, wherein        m and n are independently 1, 2, 3, or 4; each liquid medium        containing one or more optional additives, such that the air        entering each vessel comes in direct contact with each of the        independently selected absorbent liquid media and optional        additives; and wherein said vessels are connected in series such        that the purified air exiting each vessel is transferred into        the next vessel in the series, up to the nth vessel;        and    -   b) releasing the decontaminated environmental space air from the        nth vessel into the environment space.

Aspect 5. A method for the removal of one or more contaminants fromenvironmental air comprising the steps of

-   -   a) passing contaminated environmental space air by means of an        air transferring device, through independently selected        absorbent liquid media, each liquid medium contained in an array        of three vessels, and optionally additionally comprising one or        more additives;    -   b) allowing the environmental space air entering each vessel to        come in direct contact with the independently selected liquid        medium and optional additive in each vessel; wherein said        vessels are arranged such that the air exiting the first vessel        is divided and enters the second and third vessel        simultaneously;    -   c) transferring one or more contaminants from the contaminated        environmental space air to one or more of the absorbent liquid        media resulting in purified environmental space air;    -   d) releasing the purified air from the second and third vessel        into the environment, thereby lowering the concentration of        contaminants contained in the environmental space air.

Aspect 6. The method according to Aspect 1, wherein the contaminatedenvironmental space air is within an enclosed space.

Aspect 7. The method of according to Aspect 1, wherein the contaminatedenvironmental air is in outdoor environmental space and thedecontaminated environmental air is transferred, by a conduit attachedto the vessel, directly to an individual by means of an individualbreathing apparatus.

Aspect 8. The method to according to Aspect 1, wherein the airtransferring device is an air pump, a fan or a blower.

Aspect 9: The method according to Aspect 1, wherein the absorbent liquidmedium is selected from the group consisting of a liquid, a liquidabsorbed into a solid material, a solid/liquid mixture, a slurry, and asolid phase that is supported with a liquid.

Aspect 10. The method of Aspect 9, wherein the absorbent liquid mediumis a solid/liquid mixture, wherein the solid is selected from carbonblack (activated charcoal), silica gel, alumina, absorbent clay, and seasand.

Aspect 11. The method according to Aspect 1, wherein the absorbentliquid media is a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, ahomogeneous mixture of water and a solvent, a heterogeneous mixture ofwater and a non-water soluble liquid.

Aspect 12. The method according to Aspect 1, wherein the liquidabsorbent media is a liquid absorbed into a solid material, and saidsolid material is selected from cotton, linen, and paper.

Aspect 13. The method according to Aspect 1, wherein the airtransferring device passes the contaminated air through one or moreliquid absorbent media by means of a diffuser.

Aspect 14. The method according to Aspect 13, wherein the diffuser is anair stone.

Aspect 15. The method according to Aspect 1 wherein the temperature ofthe liquid medium is controlled from about 15° C. to about 30° C.

Aspect 16. The method of Aspect 1, wherein the liquid medium is watersupplied by ground water having constant temperature.

Aspect 17. The method of Aspect 1, wherein the wherein thehygroscopicity is controlled by an additive selected from a super waterabsorbent or sodium chloride, and the humidity is improved to a range ofbetween about 45% and about 65% relative humidity.

Aspect 18. The method of Aspect 4, wherein the first absorbent liquidmedium is 5% aqueous acidic sodium dihydrogen phosphate and 5% aqueousbasic sodium dihydrogen phosphate, and the second absorbent liquidmedium is vegetable oil.

Aspect 19. The method of Aspect 1, wherein the liquid absorbent mediumis a biphasic mixture of 5% aqueous acidic sodium dihydrogen phosphate,5% aqueous basic sodium dihydrogen phosphate, and vegetable oil.

Aspect 20. The method of Aspect 1, wherein the environmental space is anenclosed space used for storage of food, medical specimens, orornamental plants.

Aspect 21. An apparatus for the removal of contaminants from theenvironmental space air, said apparatus comprising

-   -   a) an air transferring device with intake and output ports, such        that when the device is operated, the intake port collects        environmental space air which is transferred to the output port;    -   b) a vessel containing an absorbent liquid medium, and one or        more optional additives, and optionally having one or more ports        for addition and/or removal of the liquid medium;    -   c) one or more conduits for transferring air from the output        port of the air transferring device to the vessel containing the        absorbent liquid medium, said conduits positioned so that the        air from the output port of the air transferring device enters        the vessel below the level of the absorbent liquid contained in        the vessel and then passes through the medium becoming purified        air; and    -   d) a means for the release of the purified air from the vessel        to the environmental space, wherein said means is        -   one or more conduits leading from above the liquid medium in            the vessel to the environmental space, or        -   one or more openings in the vessel, above the liquid medium            in the vessel, to the environmental space.

Aspect 22. The apparatus of Aspect 21 wherein the absorbent liquid isselected from the group consisting of water, glycerin, an aliphaticalcohol, an aliphatic polyol, an aliphatic ketone, vegetable oil, animalfat, a polyethylene glycol, and silicone oil; and optionally containingone or more additives independently selected from the group consistingof an alkali metal salt, polyethylene glycol, sodium bisulfite, carbonblack, a reducing sugar, Vitamin C, zinc oxide, silver nitrate, amineral acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, bleach, a quaternaryammonium salt, glycerin, a hydrogel, a hydro sol, a super waterabsorbent, EDTA, silica gel, alumina, absorbent clay, an organicpolymer, starch, an amino acid, a cyclic dextran, a C₁-C₆ mono-, di- ortrialkyl amine, a polymer amine, a detergent, a biocide, an organicscavenger, a fragrance, an air freshener, a microbe capable of degradinga pollutant, a detergent, ammonia, a disinfectant, an aquatic plant, arare earth metal catalyst, and a sterilant.

Aspect 23. An apparatus for the removal of contaminants from theenvironmental space air, said apparatus comprising

-   -   a. an air pump with intake and output ports for the        environmental space air;    -   b. three vessels, each fitted with sealed intake and output        ports, each vessel containing an independently selected        absorbent liquid medium, and, optionally added to each liquid,        one or more independently selected neutralizing additives;    -   c. a first conduit connected to from output port of the pump to        the input port of a first vessel, said conduit positioned so        that the air from the pump enters the input port of the first        vessel below the level of the absorbent liquid; and    -   d. a second conduit connected to the first vessel output port to        the second vessel input port, said conduit positioned so that        the output air from the first vessel enters the input port of        the second vessel below the level of the absorbent liquid medium        in the second vessel;    -   e. a third conduit connected to the second vessel output port,        said conduit positioned so that the air from the second vessel        enters the intake port of the third vessel below the level of        the absorbent liquid;    -   f. a fourth conduit connected to the third vessel output port in        the series and to the environment space, said conduit positioned        above the level of the absorbent liquid medium.

Aspect 24. The apparatus according to Aspect 23, in which one or more ofthe vessels have optional ports for addition and/or removal of theliquid absorbent medium contained therein.

Aspect 25. The apparatus according to Aspect 21 in which the vessel is atoilet tank.

Aspect 26. The apparatus according to Aspect 21 in which the airtransferring device acts by exerting negative pressure, by drawing theair through the output port of the vessel.

Aspect 27. An apparatus for the removal of contaminants from theenvironmental space air, said apparatus comprising

-   -   a. a vessel fitted with sealed intake and output ports,        containing an absorbent liquid medium, and to which is        optionally added to the liquid, one or more additives;

b. a first conduit for transferring environmental space air to theintake port of the vessel, said conduit positioned so that theenvironmental space air enters the intake port of the vessel below thelevel of the absorbent liquid contained in the vessel; and

-   -   c. a second conduit from the vessel output port to the        environment space, said conduit positioned above the level of        the absorbent liquid in the vessel; and    -   d. one or more an air pumps, positioned so that contaminated air        from the environmental space is captured and moves through the        first conduit, then through the liquid absorbent media in the        vessel, and subsequently through the second conduit where it is        released into the environmental space.

Aspect 28. The apparatus of Aspect 27, comprising one air pump, saidpump positioned so as to exert positive pressure from its output portinto the first conduit.

Aspect 29. The apparatus of Aspect 27, comprising one air pump, saidpump positioned so as to exert negative pressure from its intake portinto the second conduit.

Aspect 30. The apparatus of Aspect 27 comprising two air pumps, a firstpump one positioned so as to exert positive pressure from its outputport into the first conduit, and a second pump positioned so as to exertnegative pressure from its intake port into the second conduit.

EXPERIMENTAL

The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinaryskill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how thecompounds, compositions, articles, devices and/or methods claimed hereinare made and evaluated, and are intended to be purely exemplary of theinvention and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventorsregard as their invention. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracywith respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.), but someerrors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicatedotherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in ° C. or is atambient temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.

Examples of methods included in the invention are shown below forillustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting theinvention in any way.

General Methods

Model enclosed space systems were created to test the efficacy ofvarious air transferring devices and absorbent media. Air pumps wereselected from 1) battery powered Tetra Whisper 100 Air Pump, 2) MarinaBattery Operated Air Pump (Wal-Mart), 3) Fluval Q2 Air Pump 4 W ACpower, 4) Airpod Air Pump with Back-up System, and 5) RS Electrical,Model RS-180, 220-240V, 3 W. If sparging air stones were not suppliedwith the pump, stones of varying sizes are obtained from a pet supplyretail store.

System 1

In a 1-2 gal cylindrical glass jar with 20-30 cm open top, is placed anair pump as described above and a pollutant monitoring meter. The outletof air from the air pump is attached to tube with a sparging air stone.The air stone and tube assemble is fitted into the inlet port of asealed flask containing an absorbent liquid media and optionaladditive(s). A second tube is placed above the liquid in the flask, andextends through a sealed outlet port of the flask. The top of the jar issealed with parafilm. Sparging of the air into the liquid absorbablemedia is initiated; the air in jar is circulated through the absorbentliquid; and levels of pollutants (as shown by the meter) are allowed tonormalize. Pollutants are then added all at once through the parafilm,and the level of pollutant is measured at intervals until no significantchange was observed.

System 2

A 50 or 100 gal fish tank, depending on the scale of the experiment tobe conducted, is fitted with an aquarium fish tank oxygenation air pump[RS, Model RS-180]. The pump is fitted with tubing and an air stone atthe outlet port and immersed in the test liquid absorbable mediacontained in a flask. The tank was adapted to allow power cord accessand a port into which pollutants could be injected. The tank is coveredto exclude outside air. Sparging of the tank air into the liquidabsorbable media is initiated, and the level of pollutant and humidityis monitored with meters inside the tank. After the system isnormalized, pollutants are added all at once via the exterior port, andthe level of pollutant measured at intervals until no significant changeis observed. An illustration of this System is shown in FIG. 58.

System 3

A tank (10 gallons or 37.85 liters) is modified from a fish tank. Aplastic board is cut and fashioned as the tank lid (on the top). The lidcan be opened and closed with good sealing (air-tight). A port at thetop of the tank allows introduction of air pollutants. All equipment(pump, flasks, fan and meters) is placed inside the tank and can becontrolled outside when the tank is closed. The pump as in System 2 isfitted with tubing and an air stone at the outlet port and immersed intoa sequential arrangement of two test liquid absorbable media, eachcontained in a separate flask. The air passes into the first flask sothat it enters below the level of the liquid, then exits from a tubeattached to the top of the first flask and is then directed to a secondflask containing another absorbent media liquid, also below the level ofthe liquid. After passing through the second flask the purified airexits the flask and is discharged back into the tank. The quality of theair within in the tank can measured using a humidity meter, aformaldehyde meter (with readouts for formaldehyde, TVOC andtemperature) and a particle meter. A representation of this system isshown in FIG. 58.

System 4

Multiple Holes (¼″-½″) are drilled at 1-2′ intervals in the top shoulderportion of a 10 L Nalgene® 8-0400-07 LDPE Polyethylene Carboy withspigot. The screwcap is removed and the Carboy is charged with anappropriate absorbent liquid media. Into the neck of the Carboy issnugly fitted one end of an adapter tube (approx. 24-32 in long, 2-3 indiameter) and the tube is secured with high performance waterproof tape.To the other end of the adapter tube is inserted the outlet tube,modified as described below, of a Ryobi battery powered blower, (modelRY40402). The length of the outlet tube is reduced, but at least 3inches of tube remain so that it may be inserted firmly into the adaptertube. The tube joints are sealed with additional high performance tape.

Air from the environment is forced by the blower motor through the tubeinto the absorbent liquid, and exits through the holes provided in theCarboy. The air speed can be controlled manually using the trigger inthe blower motor housing. Opening of the spigot allows for removal ofspent absorbent liquid, and new liquid is introduced into the Carboy viathe adapter tube, by temporarily separating the blower from the adaptertube, pouring the liquid into the Carboy, then reattaching the blower.

This apparatus is schematically depicted in FIG. 59.

While a portable blower with a trigger switch was used in this systemfor proof of principle, it is to be understood that replacement of thepower source and switching mechanism devices can be accomplished forconvenience and depending on the particular application in which thesystem is used.

System 5

In place of the Carboy apparatus in System 4, the blower is attached toa first chamber of a double chambered vessel, the chambers separated bydouble walls set ¼ to ½ apart, to allow airflow between the chambers.The air is blown into the first chamber, then flows by way of holesdrilled near the top of the first inner wall, into the space between thesecond inner wall, and from there is forced though the holes and thebottom of the second wall and into the second chamber containing theabsorbent liquid media, and thereby bubbling through media and exits outthe open top of the second chamber. incoming air. The apparatus isdepicted in FIG. 60, and the vessel with double chambers isschematically represented in FIG. 61.

System 6

A 12×12 cm, 5 blade axial fan, Sunon model DP100A, P/1123XSL, 110 V,50/60 Hz, 0.28 amp, available from Sunonwealth Electrical Machine Co.Ltd., is fitted with an adapter block to the exit side of the housing.The adapter block is fashioned from a 1-3 in. thick high densityStyrofoam, and trimmed to match the length and width dimensions of thefan housing and into which a 4×5 array ¼ in holes are verticallydrilled, and optionally inter connected by a series of ¼ in shaftsdrilled at right angles. The resulting adapter block allows for thepassage of air through the holes, exiting both through the bottom andsides of the adapter. The adapter is affixed to the fan housing withaluminum foil tape. The entire fan/adapter assembly is then allowed tofloat on the liquid media, such that the depth of the outlet ports isbelow the level of an absorbent liquid media which is contained in a 4qt aluminum 9×12 in pan. The fan is energized and environmental air isallowed to flow through the adapter into the liquid. The apparatus isshown schematically in FIG. 63.

System 7

To an Orion Cooling fan, Model OA180AP-11-1 TB, 110 V, 50/60 Hz, isfastened a four sided wooded box adapter, approx. 4×4 in on each side,with no bottom. The edges are sealed with aluminum tape. Along thebottom edge of each side of the box are drilled approximately nine ¼-⅜in holes. The entire fan/box adapter assembly is then immersed in anabsorbent liquid media contained in a 4 qt aluminum 9×12 in pan. Thedepth of the assembly can be adjusted as needed, or can be designed tofloat on the liquid so that the outlet ports are always below the levelof the liquid. The fan is energized and environmental air is allowed toflow through the adapter into the liquid. The apparatus is shownschematically in FIG. 64.

System 8

To a MaxHyddro IHF6-C 2-speed fan, 115 V 60 Hz 0.97 A 125 W, 440 CFMfitted with a two speed control and on/off switch is affixed (cement orepoxy compound) a 6 in long and 3 in diameter PVC adapter pipe. Holes(114-% in) are drilled along the bottom edge of the pipe at regular(Ih-1 in) intervals. The entire fan/pipe adapter assembly is thenimmersed at various depths of an absorbent liquid media contained in acylindrical vessel. The entire assembly is housed within asuperstructure frame to maintain it in an upright position, but withaccess though the top and side for ease of removal of the vessel The fanis energized, and environmental air is allowed to flow through the tubeinto the liquid. The apparatus is shown schematically in FIG. 62.

EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES Example 1. Determining the Limits of the Water asAbsorbing Media in Removal of Formaldehyde

Using System (1 or 2), the limit of the effectiveness in removingformaldehyde by sparging the air in water alone was studied. In twoseparate runs, starting from an initial concentration of 1.0 ppmformaldehyde, the concentration dropped over a period of 10-12 minreaching a steady concentration of about 0.20 ppm. From this data, itappears that the water/formaldehyde mixture in the absorbent reaches anequilibrium point and that no further formaldehyde can be removed beyondthis point. The results are plotted in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Example 2. Comparison of Water, Formula 1 [Aqueous Solution of 2% (w/w)Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), 1% (w/w) NaHCO₃, 50% (v/v) Glycerin]; andFormula 2 [1% Aqueous Solution of Glycine (w/v)] in the Removal ofFormaldehyde

Using System (1 or 2), the relative effectiveness of water, formula 1and formula 2 as absorbent media to remove formaldehyde was studiedstarting from an initial concentration of 1.30 ppm, 1.00 ppm, and 1.00ppm respectively. Using either water or formula 1 as absorbing media,the concentration dropped rapidly in 12 min to about 0.20 ppm andeventually held constant for 33 minutes at 0.18 ppm. Using formula 2,the concentration dropped to 0.10 ppm min after about 15 min, thendiminished to near 0 ppm after 19 min. The results are plotted in FIG.3.

Example 3. Determining the Effect of Initial Concentration on WaterEffectiveness as an Absorbing Media

Using System (1 or 2), the effect of the initial concentration offormaldehyde on the effectiveness of sparging the air into water alonewas studied. Starting from an initial concentration of 1.0 ppm and 1.30ppm formaldehyde, the concentration dropped over a period of 10-12 minreaching a steady concentration of about 0.20 ppm. From this data, itappears that the water/formaldehyde mixture in the absorbent mediareaches an equilibrium point regardless of the initial concentration andthat no further formaldehyde is be removed beyond this point. Theresults are plotted in FIG. 4.

Example 4. Determining the Effect of Air Flow Rate on the Time Requiredto Remove Formaldehyde

In a comparison study using System (1 or 2) the rate of drop informaldehyde concentration was measured at two different airflow ratesof sparging into water. Starting from a concentration of 1.00 ppm, theconcentration of formaldehyde decreased to 0.20 after about 10 min whenthe flow rate was maximum. The concentration diminished and held steadyat 0.16 ppm from 15-20 min. Starting from a concentration of 1.00, theconcentration decreased more gradually to about 0.70 ppm after 10 minwhen the flow rate was at a minimum. The results are shown in FIG. 5.

Humidity Control Experiments

Example 5

A. Single Sparging Vessel Apparatus.

The sparging solution is placed in a tank and the tank lid is closed andsealed to stabilize (equalize) the humidity. Inside the tank, a fewdevices are used. An electric fan is used to circulate the air in thetank. A humidity meter is used to display real time humidity change. Anair pump is used to sparge air into the sparging solution (babbling).The fan was turned on all the time including the period for humiditystabilization. Once the sparging is started, the chamber humidity numberchanges are taken every minute (for most of the time, approximately 20min).

B. Two Sparging Vessel Apparatus.

Two sparging solutions are compared. Solution A is water and theSolution B is saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. For SolutionB, the experiment was done twice with to compare the difference of a bigfan and a small fan.

The results are shown in the table and in FIGS. 16-17.

TABLE 4 Effect of fan size on humidity control. Sparging Sparging withSparging with Sat NaCl, with Sat NaCl, Time (min) water (Big fan) (Smallfan) 0 65% 66% 66% 1 69% 68% 66% 2 72% 69% 67% 3 74% 69% 68% 4 76% 69%69% 5 77% 69% 70% 6 78% 70% 70% 7 79% 70% 71% 8 79% 69% 71% 9 80% 69%72% 10 80% 69% 72% 11 80% 69% 72% 12 80% 69% 73% 13 81% 68% 73% 14 81%68% 73% 15 81% 68% 73% 16 81% 68% 73% 17 81% 68% 73% 18 81% 68% 73% 1981% 68% 73% 20 81% 68% 74%

Example 6

Using the same methodology described above, the saturated sodiumchloride solution is compared with the same solution with extra sodiumchloride (solid) added.

The absorbent liquid was prepared as follows: 20 g solid NaCl was addedto 100 mL and saturated NaCl solution. After sparging through thissolution, the humidity was measured and compared to the previousresults; these appear in the table below and in FIG. 17.

TABLE 5 Relative Humidity with Two Sparing Solutions: Comparison ofHumidity Effect with Saturated Sodium Chloride Solution and The Same butwith Extra Solid Sodium Chloride Time Sparging with Sat NaCl Solutionwith (min) water Sparging with Sat NaCl extra Solid NaCl 0 65% 66% 65% 169% 66% 67% 2 72% 67% 68% 3 74% 68% 68% 4 76% 69% 69% 5 77% 70% 70% 678% 70% 70% 7 79% 71% 71% 8 79% 71% 71% 9 80% 72% 72% 10 80% 72% 72% 1180% 72% 72% 12 80% 73% 73% 13 81% 73% 73% 14 81% 73% 73% 15 81% 73% 73%16 81% 73% 73% 17 81% 73% 73% 18 81% 73% 74% 19 81% 73% 74% 20 81% 74%74%

Example 7. High Humidity Conditions

The same procedure as Example 5 was followed, except the experiment wasperformed on a rainy day with higher initial RH. Table 6 and FIG. 18show the results below.

TABLE 6 Relative Humidity, Comparison of Sunny Day (Lower Initial RH)and Rainy Day (Higher Initial RH) Sat NaCl Solution Sat NaCl Solutionwith Time Sparging with with extra Solid extra Solid NaCl, in a (min)water NaCl rainy day 0 65% 65% 70% 1 69% 67% 70% 2 72% 68% 70% 3 74% 68%70% 4 76% 69% 70% 5 77% 70% 70% 6 78% 70% 70% 7 79% 71% 70% 8 79% 71%70% 9 80% 72% 70% 10 80% 72% 71% 11 80% 72% 71% 12 80% 73% 71% 13 81%73% 71% 14 81% 73% 71% 15 81% 73% 71% 16 81% 73% 71% 17 81% 73% 71% 1881% 74% 71% 19 81% 74% 71% 20 81% 74% 71%

It can be concluded from the above experiments that by choosing thecomposition of the liquid absorbent, the relative humidity of anenclosed space can be effectively controlled.

Example 8. Sparging with Aqueous Ethylene Glycol (EG) Mixtures

Using the same conditions described above, the effect of ethyleneglycol/water mixtures on humidity were compared to water and saturatedsodium chloride solution. The results are shown in FIG. 19 and in Table7 below.

TABLE 7 Comparison of water, water/ethylene glycol, and saturated NaClin humidity control. Time (min) Water Sat NaCl H2O/EG 1:1 (v/v) H2O/EG2:8 (v/v) 0 65% 66% 75% 75% 1 69% 66% 76% 75% 2 72% 67% 76% 75% 3 74%68% 77% 75% 4 76% 69% 77% 74% 5 77% 70% 78% 74% 6 78% 70% 78% 74% 7 79%71% 78% 74% 8 79% 71% 79% 73% 9 80% 72% 79% 73% 10 80% 72% 79% 73% 1180% 72% 79% 73% 12 80% 73% 79% 72% 13 81% 73% 79% 72% 14 81% 73% 80% 72%15 81% 73% 80% 71% 16 81% 73% 80% 71% 17 81% 73% 80% 71% 18 81% 73% 80%70% 19 81% 73% 80% 70% 20 81% 74% 80% 70%

The 1:1 (Water:EG) ratio leads to higher humidity than the 2:8 ratios(Water:EG), starting from the same relative humidity point. This can beextended to many other sparging systems especially that involves waterand another component.

This experiment clearly demonstrated that for a multiple componentsystem, the ratio change will change the humidity control value. Thiscould be extended to many other sparging systems.

Example 9. Sparging with Glycerin

Using the same conditions described above, the effect of glycerin onhumidity were compared to water and saturated sodium chloride solution,and water/ethylene glycol mixtures. The results are shown in FIG. 19 andin the table below.

Glycerin is safe, cheap, high-boiling and easy to use and many othercomponents can be added to glycerin. The results indicate it is aneffective humidity control agent.

TABLE 8 Comparison of water, water/ethylene glycol, saturated NaCl andglycerin in humidity control. Time H2O/EG H2O/EG (min) Water Sat NaCl1:1 (v/v) 2:8 (v/v) Glycerin 0 65% 66% 75% 75% 73% 1 69% 66% 76% 75% 72%2 72% 67% 76% 75% 70% 3 74% 68% 77% 75% 69% 4 76% 69% 77% 74% 68% 5 77%70% 78% 74% 66% 6 78% 70% 78% 74% 65% 7 79% 71% 78% 74% 64% 8 79% 71%79% 73% 63% 9 80% 72% 79% 73% 62% 10 80% 72% 79% 73% 61% 11 80% 72% 79%73% 61% 12 80% 73% 79% 72% 60% 13 81% 73% 79% 72% 60% 14 81% 73% 80% 72%59% 15 81% 73% 80% 71% 58% 16 81% 73% 80% 71% 58% 17 81% 73% 80% 71% 57%18 81% 73% 80% 70% 57% 19 81% 73% 80% 70% 56% 20 81% 74% 80% 70% 56%

Example 10. Control of Humidity Using Sodium Chloride Solutions ofDifferent Concentrations

The single sparging solution system is placed outside the enclosed space(tank). The graphs (FIGS. 20 and 21) show the trend that higherconcentrations of sodium chloride lead to lower relative humidity. Thedata here show that after 40 minute sparging, the relative humidity ofthe chamber is not reached. This experiment demonstrates the possibilitythat one may use different concentrations of a salt of other chemicalcomposition in order to obtain a desired relative humidity level.

The above examples demonstrate that the use of different spargingsolutions can be used to control the relative humidity, and that adesired level of humidity can be achieved and maintained by selection ofan appropriate liquid in an appropriate quantity for the volume of airto be purified in the environmental space. The time to achieve thedesired RH equilibrium will vary, but can be estimated bystraightforward calculation or field experience.

Formaldehyde Removal

General Procedures

(One sparging solution system): The sparging solution is placed in atank and the tank lid is closed and sealed. Inside the tank, a fewdevices are used. An electric fan is used to circulate the air in thetank. A humidity meter is used to display real time humidity change. Anair pump is used to sparge air into the sparging solution (babbling). Aformaldehyde meter is used to monitor air formaldehyde concentration (inppm) change. The formaldehyde meter also comes with display of VOC indexand temperature. The fan was turned on all the time during experiment.Once the sparging is started, the readings are taken for chamberformaldehyde, VOC index, temperature and humidity.

When two or more sparging solutions are used, they can be connectedtogether in series or in parallel, as shown in FIGS. 8-12.

Example 11. Formaldehyde Scavenging with Glycerin as the SpargingSolution

Sparging solution preparation: Glycerin 63.10 g (50 mL) was weighed andplaced in the sparging solution container. Results are shown in FIG. 23.

This experiment clearly shows that glycerin is an excellent spargingsolution and can be used for formaldehyde scavenging. The formaldehydein the air is captured and dissolved in glycerin. The scavenging processproceeded smoothly until at around 30 min at which time the scavengingbecomes slow. About 77% formaldehyde was removed in about 30 minutes.

The “adjusted” humidity is kept in the comfortable range. Thisscavenging system is valuable in practical sense because it is effectivein preventing humidity increase. Actually it provides a dry environmentwhich is desired for many applications.

Compared with some better systems, the “single sparging system” usingglycerin is not as fast in removing formaldehyde. However, it is auseful reference point in comparing with other sparging systems.

Example 12. Formaldehyde Scavenging with Glycine Added to GlycerinSparging Solution

Sparging solution preparation: Glycerin 63.10 g (50 mL) with addedglycine (50 mg) were weighed and placed in the sparging solutioncontainer. Results appear in FIGS. 24-26.

Aldehyde neutralization by amines such as amino acids are known (Zhu,Peter; et al. 20010025110A1, “Reductive amination for aldehydeneutralization”). Amino acids take time to neutralize formaldehyde (J.Frederic Walker, “Formaldehyde” 2nd (1953) and 3rd Ed (1975). and refstherein. American Chemical Society, Monograph Series). The value is theadded amino acids or other amines allow increased formaldehydescavenging capacity. Larger scavenging capacity is desired becauseformaldehyde usually releases gradually in a household over time.

The current invention provides a desired practice that first allows thecapture of the formaldehyde in the environmental air into a liquid phaseand then allow the chemical conversion of formaldehyde to a by-productwith different properties.

One may have the option to dispose the liquid with incomplete conversionof formaldehyde to the by product and replace with a fresh spargingsolution or alternatively, one may want to let the system to stand untilthe formaldehyde is completely converted to nonvolatile product.

Dual Sparging Systems

A typical dual sparging system set up is shown in FIG. 8 The tank air ispumped in with an air pump through Solution A first and then Solution Bbefore exiting back to the tank. Formaldehyde is captured by bothsolutions.

Example 13

As an example, Solution A (water)/Solution B (glycerin) was evaluatedand the results appear in FIG. 27.

Comparing the results from many experiments, it is observed that thelevel of formaldehyde removal from air is faster in dual sparging systemthan the single sparging system. In this particular experiment, 87%formaldehyde is removed in just 20 min (starting from 1.30 ppm).

Using the above methods, additional experiments were conducted in orderto measure the effectiveness of various absorbent liquids in removingvarious contaminants. The results are summarized in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Effectiveness of absorbent liquids in removing contaminantsSparging System, Absorbent Results Plot, Example FIG. Liquid ContaminantFIG.(s) Comments 14 6 glycerin with Formaldehyde 25, 26 glycine 15 8 AWater; B Formaldehyde 27-29 dual sparging glycerin system was moreefficient. in removing formaldehyde 16 6 glycerin Formaldehyde 27, 28 178 A: water; B Formaldehyde 29, 30 dual sparging dimedone/glycerin systemwas more efficient. in removing formaldehyde 18 6 water/dimedone/Formaldehyde 29, 30 glycerin 19 6 glycerin with Formaldehyde 25, 27glycine 20 8 A Water; B Formaldehyde 27, 28 dual sparging glycerinsystem was more efficient. in removing formaldehyde 21 6 glycerinFormaldehyde 27, 28 17 22 8 A: water; B Formaldehyde 29, 30 dualsparging dimedone/glycerin system was more efficient. in removingformaldehyde 23 6 water/ Formaldehyde 29, 30 dimedone/ glycerin 24 8 A:1% Formaldehyde 31, 32 The volume of glycine/1% L- Solution A Cysteinedecreased and B: glycerin Solution B increased over 27 h. Addition of 40g of NaCl prevented this. 25 6 glycerin Formaldehyde 31, 32 26 8 A 10%Formaldehyde 33, 34 sulfuric Acid; B glycerin 27 6 glycerin Formaldehyde33, 34 28 8 A: 1% Formaldehyde 35, 36 AgNO₃ (aq) B: glycerin 29 9 A: 1%Formaldehyde 35, 36 additional AgNO₃ (aq) sparging had B: glycerinlittle effect on RH 30 11 A: 1% Formaldehyde 37, 38 AgNO₃ (aq) B1:glycerin B2: glycerin 31 12 A: 1% Formaldehyde 49, 40 Two C-black AgNO₃(aq) columns B1: 100 g added glycerin & 0.10 g dimedone B2: 112 gglycerin & 0.10 g dimedone 32 8 A: 1% Formaldehyde 41, 42 permanganateKMNO₄ and glycerin B: glycerin/ are not dimedone/ compatible in waterthe same vessel 33 8 A: 4% Formaldehyde 41, 42 sodium persulfate B:glycerin 34 8 A & B: 1% Formaldehyde 43-45 superior Tren in satd.formaldehyde NaCl soln removal 35 8 A: satd. NaCl Formaldehyde 45 B: 1%Tren in satd. NaCl soln 36 A & B: 2% Formaldehyde 45 Tren in satd. NaClsoln 37 12 A; water Formaldehyde 46 B water C: 0.5 g dimedone, 10 gwater, 89.5 g glycerin 38 12 A; 1% Formaldehyde 47-49 humidity Glycine(1 g), increases after 1% L- 200 min. Cysteine (1 g), 2% NaHSO₃ in water(96 g) B 10% NaOH (10 g), water 90 g C: glycerin 39 12 A: glycerinFormaldehyde 50-52 B1: water B2: glycerin 40 12 A; glycerin Formaldehyde50-52 B1 water B2 glycerin 41 12 A; glycerin Formaldehyde 50-52 B1 waterB2 glycerin 42 12 A; glycerin Formaldehyde 50-52 B1 water B2 glycerinRemoval of Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs)

Example 43

A sparging apparatus similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6, but adaptedas shown in FIG. 57 was used to the effectiveness of householdcomestible corn oil with water in a biphasic system as the absorbentliquid.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Otherembodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in theart from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims:

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for the removal ofcontaminants from the environmental space air, said apparatus consistingof a. an air transferring device with intake and output ports, such thatwhen the device is operated, the intake port collects environmentalspace air which is transferred to the output port; b. a vessel fittedwith sealed intake and output ports, containing an absorbent liquidmedium configured to remove said contaminants by dissolution, physicalentrapment, or chemical reaction, said absorbent liquid mediumcomprising water and glycerin, and said vessel optionally having one ormore ports for addition and/or removal of the liquid medium; c. one ormore conduits for transferring air from the output port of the airtransferring device to the intake port of the vessel containing theabsorbent liquid medium, said conduits positioned so that the air fromthe output port of the air transferring device enters the intake port ofthe vessel below the level of the absorbent liquid medium contained inthe vessel, said air being introduced without a diffusing deviceattached to the conduit entering the intake port, and then passesthrough the medium becoming purified air; and d. a means for the releaseof the purified air from the vessel to the environmental space, whereinsaid means is one or more conduits leading from above the absorbentliquid medium in the vessel to the environmental space, or one or moreopenings in the vessel, above the absorbent liquid medium in the vessel,to the environmental space.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theabsorbent liquid medium further comprises one or more additivesindependently selected from the group consisting of an aliphaticalcohol, an aliphatic polyol, an aliphatic ketone, vegetable oil, animalfat, a polyethylene glycol, silicone oil, an alkali metal salt,polyethylene glycol, sodium bisulfite, carbon black, a reducing sugar,Vitamin C, zinc oxide, silver nitrate, a mineral acid, sodiumbicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, bleach, a quaternary ammonium salt, ahydrogel, a hydro sol, a super water absorbent, EDTA, silica gel,alumina, absorbent clay, an organic polymer, starch, an amino acid, acyclic dextran, a C₁-C₆ mono-, di- or trialkyl amine, a polymer amine, adetergent, a biocide, an organic scavenger, a fragrance, an airfreshener, a microbe capable of degrading a pollutant, a detergent,ammonia, a disinfectant, an aquatic plant, a rare earth metal catalyst,and a sterilant.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which thevessel contains a liquid medium that is suitable as an aquaticenvironment for fish and/or plants.
 4. The apparatus according to claim1 in which the absorbent liquid medium is configured to remove at least50% formaldehyde from formaldehyde-contaminated air in 24 hours or lessby dissolution, physical entrapment, or chemical reaction.
 5. Theapparatus according to claim 1 in which the input port air is configuredto capture environmental space air enclosed within a home, office,medical facilities, food storage spaces, or a motor vehicle.
 6. Theapparatus according to claim 1 in which the absorbent liquid medium isconfigured to remove at least 77% formaldehyde fromformaldehyde-contaminated air in 30 minutes or less by dissolution,physical entrapment, or chemical reaction.
 7. A method of using theapparatus of claim 1 to remove one or more contaminants fromcontaminated environmental space air, while optionally and independentlyimproving the temperature and level of relative humidity of the air,comprising the steps of a. passing the contaminated environmental spaceair, by means of the air transferring device, through the absorbentliquid medium contained in the vessel, wherein the temperature andhygroscopicity of the liquid medium are optionally and independentlycontrolled, said liquid medium optionally containing one or moreadditives capable of interacting with the contaminants; b. allowing thecontaminated environmental space air to come in contact with theabsorbent liquid medium and optional additives such that one or morecontaminants from the contaminated environmental space air aretransferred into the absorbent liquid medium and are thereby removed toproduce decontaminated environmental space air, and the temperature andhumidity of the air are optionally and independently improved; c.releasing the decontaminated environmental space air from the vesselinto the environmental space, thereby lowering the level of one or morecontaminants in the environmental space air, and optionally andindependently improving the temperature and humidity of theenvironmental space air.
 8. The method according to claim 7 in which thecontaminant to be removed is selected from airborne pollen,microorganisms, viral particles, bacteria, fungal spores, and mites. 9.An apparatus for the removal of contaminants from the environmentalspace air, said apparatus consisting of a. an air pump with intake andoutput ports for the environmental space air; b. three vessels, eachfitted with sealed intake and output ports, each vessel containing adifferent, independently selected absorbent liquid medium; c. a firstconduit connected to the output port of the pump and to the input portof a first vessel, said conduit positioned so that the air from the pumpenters the input port of the first vessel below the level of theabsorbent liquid medium; said air being introduced without a diffusingdevice attached to the conduit entering the intake port, d. a secondconduit connected to the first vessel output port and to the secondvessel input port, said conduit positioned so that the output air fromthe first vessel enters the input port of the second vessel below thelevel of the absorbent liquid medium in the second vessel, said airbeing introduced without a diffusing device attached to the conduitentering the intake port; e. a third conduit connected to the secondvessel output port, said conduit positioned so that the air from thesecond vessel enters the intake port of the third vessel below the levelof the absorbent liquid medium, said air being introduced without adiffusing device attached to the conduit entering the intake port; f. afourth conduit connected to the third vessel output port in the seriesand to the environment space, said conduit positioned above the level ofthe absorbent liquid medium; wherein each independently selectedabsorbent liquid medium is selected from the group consisting of water,glycerin, an aliphatic alcohol, an aliphatic polyol, an aliphaticketone, vegetable oil, animal fat, a polyethylene glycol, and siliconeoil; and optionally containing one or more additives independentlyselected from the group consisting of an alkali metal salt, polyethyleneglycol, sodium bisulfite, carbon black, a reducing sugar, Vitamin C,zinc oxide, silver nitrate, a mineral acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodiumhydroxide, bleach, a quaternary ammonium salt, glycerin, a hydrogel, ahydro sol, a super water absorbent, EDTA, silica gel, alumina, absorbentclay, an organic polymer, starch, an amino acid, a cyclic dextran, aC₁-C₆ mono-, di- or trialkyl amine, a polymer amine, a detergent, abiocide, an organic scavenger, a fragrance, an air freshener, a microbecapable of degrading a pollutant, a detergent, ammonia, a disinfectant,an aquatic plant, a rare earth metal catalyst, and a sterilant.
 10. Theapparatus according to claim 9, in which one or more vesselsadditionally comprise ports for addition and removal of the liquidabsorbent medium contained therein.
 11. A method of using the apparatusof claim 9 to remove of one or more contaminants from contaminatedenvironmental space air, while optionally and independently improvingthe temperature and level of relative humidity of the air, comprisingthe steps of a. passing the contaminated environmental space air, bymeans of the air transferring device, through the absorbent liquidmedium contained in each vessel, wherein the temperature andhygroscopicity of the liquid medium are optionally and independentlycontrolled, said liquid medium optionally containing one or moreadditives capable of interacting with the contaminants; b. allowing thecontaminated environmental space air to come in contact with theabsorbent liquid medium and optional additives such that one or morecontaminants from the contaminated environmental space air aretransferred into the absorbent liquid medium and are thereby removed toproduce decontaminated environmental space air, and the temperature andhumidity of the air are optionally and independently improved; c.releasing the decontaminated environmental space air from third vesselinto the environmental space, thereby lowering the level of one or morecontaminants in the environmental space air, and optionally andindependently improving the temperature and humidity of theenvironmental space air.
 12. An apparatus for the removal ofcontaminants from the environmental space air, said apparatus comprisinga. an air transferring device with intake and output ports, such thatwhen the device is operated, the intake port collects environmentalspace air which is transferred to the output port; b. a vessel fittedwith sealed intake and output ports, containing an absorbent liquidmedium configured to remove said contaminants by dissolution, physicalentrapment, or chemical reaction, wherein, said vessel is a toilet tankand the input port of the air transferring device is positioned outsidethe confines of the toilet bowl, and optionally having one or more portsfor addition and/or removal of the liquid medium; c. one or moreconduits for transferring air from the output port of the airtransferring device to the intake port of the vessel containing theabsorbent liquid medium, said conduits positioned so that the air fromthe output port of the air transferring device enters the intake port ofthe vessel below the level of the absorbent liquid medium contained inthe vessel, said air being introduced without a diffusing deviceattached to the conduit entering the intake port, and then passesthrough the medium becoming purified air; and d. a means for the releaseof the purified air from the vessel to the environmental space, whereinsaid means is one or more conduits leading from above the absorbentliquid medium in the vessel to the environmental space, or one or moreopenings in the vessel, above the absorbent liquid medium in the vessel,to the environmental space.
 13. A method of using the apparatus of claim12 to remove of one or more contaminants from contaminated environmentalspace air comprising the steps of a. passing the contaminatedenvironmental space air, by means of the air transferring device,through the absorbent liquid medium contained in the vessel, wherein thevessel is a toilet tank and the input port of the air transferringdevice is positioned outside the confines of the toilet bowl, whereinthe temperature and hygroscopicity of the liquid medium are optionallyand independently controlled, said liquid medium optionally containingone or more additives capable of interacting with the contaminants; b.allowing the contaminated environmental space air to come in contactwith the absorbent liquid medium and optional additives such that one ormore contaminants from the contaminated environmental space air aretransferred into the absorbent liquid medium and are thereby removed toproduce decontaminated environmental space air, and the temperature andhumidity of the air are optionally and independently improved; c.releasing the decontaminated environmental space air from the vesselinto the environmental space, thereby lowering the level of one or morecontaminants in the environmental space air, and optionally andindependently improving the temperature and humidity of theenvironmental space air.
 14. An apparatus for the removal ofcontaminants from the environmental space air, said apparatus comprisinga. a vessel fitted with sealed intake and output ports, containing anabsorbent liquid medium, said liquid medium configured to remove saidcontaminants by dissolution, physical entrapment, or chemical reactionand said absorbent liquid medium comprising water and glycerin; b. afirst conduit for transferring environmental space air to the intakeport of the vessel, said conduit positioned so that the environmentalspace air enters the intake port of the vessel below the level of theabsorbent liquid medium contained in the vessel, said air beingintroduced without a diffusing device attached to the conduit enteringthe intake port; and c. a second conduit from the vessel output port tothe environment space, said conduit positioned above the level of theabsorbent liquid medium in the vessel; d. one or more air transferringdevices, positioned so that contaminated air from the environmentalspace is captured and moves through the first conduit, then through theliquid absorbent medium in the vessel, and subsequently through thesecond conduit where it is released into the environmental space;wherein the absorbent liquid medium optionally further comprises one ormore additives independently selected from the group consisting of analiphatic alcohol, an aliphatic polyol, an aliphatic ketone, vegetableoil, animal fat, a polyethylene glycol, silicone oil, an alkali metalsalt, polyethylene glycol, sodium bisulfite, carbon black, a reducingsugar, Vitamin C, zinc oxide, silver nitrate, a mineral acid, sodiumbicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, bleach, a quaternary ammonium salt, ahydrogel, a hydro sol, a super water absorbent, EDTA, silica gel,alumina, absorbent clay, an organic polymer, starch, an amino acid, acyclic dextran, a C₁-C₆ mono-, di- or trialkyl amine, a polymer amine, adetergent, a biocide, an organic scavenger, a fragrance, an airfreshener, a microbe capable of degrading a pollutant, a detergent,ammonia, a disinfectant, an aquatic plant, a rare earth metal catalyst,and a sterilant.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, comprising one air pump,said pump positioned so as to exert positive pressure from its outputport into the first conduit.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14 comprisingtwo air pumps, a first pump positioned so as to exert positive pressurefrom its output port into the first conduit, and a second pumppositioned so as to exert negative pressure from its intake port intothe second conduit.
 17. A method of using the apparatus of claim 14 toremove of one or more contaminants from contaminated environmental spaceair, while optionally and independently improving the temperature andlevel of relative humidity of the air, comprising the steps of a.passing the contaminated environmental space air, by means of the one ormore air transferring devices, through the absorbent liquid mediumcontained in the vessel, wherein the temperature and hygroscopicity ofthe liquid medium are optionally and independently controlled, saidliquid medium optionally containing one or more additives capable ofinteracting with the contaminants; b. allowing the contaminatedenvironmental space air to come in contact with the absorbent liquidmedium and optional additives such that one or more contaminants fromthe contaminated environmental space air are transferred into theabsorbent liquid medium and are thereby removed to producedecontaminated environmental space air, and the temperature and humidityof the air are optionally and independently improved; c. releasing thedecontaminated environmental space air from the vessel into theenvironmental space, thereby lowering the level of one or morecontaminants in the environmental space air, and optionally andindependently improving the temperature and humidity of theenvironmental space air.
 18. The method according to claim 7, whereinthe absorbent liquid medium is selected from the group consisting of aliquid, a liquid absorbed into a solid material, a solid/liquid mixture,a slurry, and a solid phase that is supported with a liquid.
 19. Anapparatus for the removal of contaminants from the environmental spaceair, said apparatus comprising a. an air transferring device with intakeand output ports, such that when the device is operated, the intake portcollects environmental space air which is transferred to the outputport; b. a vessel fitted with sealed intake and output ports, containingan absorbent liquid medium configured to remove said contaminants bydissolution, physical entrapment, or chemical reaction, and optionallyhaving one or more ports for addition and/or removal of the liquidmedium; c. one or more conduits for transferring air from the outputport of the air transferring device to the intake port of the vesselcontaining the absorbent liquid medium, said conduits positioned so thatthe air from the output port of the air transferring device enters theintake port of the vessel below the level of the absorbent liquid mediumcontained in the vessel, said air being introduced without a diffusingdevice attached to the conduit entering the intake port, and then passesthrough the medium becoming purified air; and d. a means for the releaseof the purified air from the vessel to the environmental space, whereinsaid means is one or more conduits leading from above the absorbentliquid medium in the vessel to the environmental space, or one or moreopenings in the vessel, above the absorbent liquid medium in the vessel,to the environmental space; wherein the air transferring device andintake port is a kitchen range hood.
 20. An apparatus for the removal ofcontaminants from the environmental space air, said apparatus comprisinga. an air transferring device with intake and output ports, such thatwhen the device is operated, the intake port collects environmentalspace air which is transferred to the output port; b. a vessel fittedwith sealed intake and output ports, containing an absorbent liquidmedium configured to remove said contaminants by dissolution, physicalentrapment, or chemical reaction, and optionally having one or moreports for addition and/or removal of the liquid medium; c. one or moreconduits for transferring air from the output port of the airtransferring device to the intake port of the vessel containing theabsorbent liquid medium, said conduits positioned so that the air fromthe output port of the air transferring device enters the intake port ofthe vessel below the level of the absorbent liquid medium contained inthe vessel, said air being introduced without a diffusing deviceattached to the conduit entering the intake port, and then passesthrough the medium becoming purified air; and d. a means for the releaseof the purified air from the vessel to the environmental space, whereinsaid means is one or more conduits leading from above the absorbentliquid medium in the vessel to the environmental space, or one or moreopenings in the vessel, above the absorbent liquid medium in the vessel,to the environmental space; wherein the air output port is configured sothat the purified air exiting the vessel is delivered to an individualby means of an individual breathing apparatus.
 21. An apparatus for theremoval of contaminants from the environmental space air, said apparatusconsisting of a. an air transferring device with intake and output portsfor the environmental space air; b. two vessels, each fitted with sealedintake and output ports, each vessel containing a different,independently selected absorbent liquid medium; c. a first conduitconnected to the output port of the air transferring device and to theinput port of a first vessel, said conduit positioned so that the airfrom the air transferring device enters the input port of the firstvessel below the level of the absorbent liquid medium; said air beingintroduced without a diffusing device attached to the conduit enteringthe intake port, d. a second conduit connected to the first vesseloutput port to the second vessel input port, said conduit positioned sothat the output air from the first vessel enters the input port of thesecond vessel below the level of the absorbent liquid medium in thesecond vessel, said air being introduced without a diffusing deviceattached to the conduit entering the intake port; e. a third conduitconnected to the second vessel output port and to the environment space,said conduit positioned above the level of the absorbent liquid medium;wherein each independently selected liquid absorbent medium isconfigured to remove said contaminants by dissolution, physicalentrapment or chemical reaction and independently selected from thegroup consisting of water, glycerin, an aliphatic alcohol, an aliphaticpolyol, an aliphatic ketone, vegetable oil, animal fat, a polyethyleneglycol, and silicone oil; and optionally containing one or moreadditives independently selected from the group consisting of an alkalimetal salt, polyethylene glycol, sodium bisulfite, carbon black, areducing sugar, Vitamin C, zinc oxide, silver nitrate, a mineral acid,sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, bleach, a quaternary ammoniumsalt, glycerin, a hydrogel, a hydro sol, a super water absorbent, EDTA,silica gel, alumina, absorbent clay, an organic polymer, starch, anamino acid, a cyclic dextran, a C₁-C₆ mono-, di- or trialkyl amine, apolymer amine, a detergent, a biocide, an organic scavenger, afragrance, an air freshener, a microbe capable of degrading a pollutant,a detergent, ammonia, a disinfectant, an aquatic plant, a rare earthmetal catalyst, and a sterilant, wherein at least one of the independentabsorbent liquid medium comprises water and glycerin.
 22. A method ofusing the apparatus of claim 21 to remove of one or more contaminantsfrom environmental air comprising the steps of a. passing thecontaminated environmental space air, by means of the air transferringdevice, through the absorbent liquid medium contained in the vessels,wherein the temperature and hygroscopicity of the liquid medium areoptionally and independently controlled, said liquid medium optionallycontaining one or more additives capable of interacting with thecontaminants; b. allowing the contaminated environmental space air tocome in contact with the absorbent liquid medium and optional additivessuch that one or more contaminants from the contaminated environmentalspace air are transferred into the absorbent liquid medium and arethereby removed to produce decontaminated environmental space air, andthe temperature and humidity of the air are optionally and independentlyimproved; c. releasing the decontaminated environmental space air fromthe vessel into the environmental space, thereby lowering the level ofone or more contaminants in the environmental space air, and optionallyand independently improving the temperature and humidity of theenvironmental space air.
 23. An apparatus for purification ofenvironmental space air comprising 1) a vessel, with an open top,containing an absorbent liquid medium, wherein the absorbent liquidmedium is selected from the group consisting of water, glycerin, analiphatic alcohol, an aliphatic polyol, an aliphatic ketone, vegetableoil, animal fat, a polyethylene glycol, and silicone oil; and optionallycontaining one or more additives independently selected from the groupconsisting of an alkali metal salt, polyethylene glycol, sodiumbisulfite, carbon black, a reducing sugar, Vitamin C, zinc oxide, silvernitrate, a mineral acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, bleach, aquaternary ammonium salt, glycerin, a hydrogel, a hydro sol, a superwater absorbent, EDTA, silica gel, alumina, absorbent clay, an organicpolymer, starch, an amino acid, a cyclic dextran, a C₁-C₆ mono-, di- ortrialkyl amine, a polymer amine, a detergent, a biocide, an organicscavenger, a fragrance, an air freshener, a microbe capable of degradinga pollutant, a detergent, ammonia, a disinfectant, an aquatic plant, arare earth metal catalyst, and a sterilant; 2) an air transferringdevice assembly comprising a. an electrically powered fan with an on/offswitch, an intake vent and an exhaust portion; b. an outlet tube, ofapproximately the same diameter as the fan outlet portion, said tubeaffixed at one end along its linear axis to said fan exhaust portion,and containing a plurality of holes spaced at regular intervals alongthe edge of the opposite end of the tube; wherein the air transferringdevice assembly is mounted on a supporting means so as to maintain theassembly in an upright position, maintaining the fan above the liquid,and the end of the outlet tube containing the holes below the level ofthe liquid; and wherein, when the fan is operated, environmental spaceair is captured through the intake portion of the fan, travels throughthe outlet tube into the liquid absorbent media, and ultimately reentersthe environmental space.
 24. An apparatus for purification ofenvironmental space air comprising 1) a vessel, with an open top,containing an absorbent liquid media, wherein the absorbent liquidmedium is selected from the group consisting of water, glycerin, analiphatic alcohol, an aliphatic polyol, an aliphatic ketone, vegetableoil, animal fat, a polyethylene glycol, and silicone oil; and optionallycontaining one or more additives independently selected from the groupconsisting of an alkali metal salt, polyethylene glycol, sodiumbisulfite, carbon black, a reducing sugar, Vitamin C, zinc oxide, silvernitrate, a mineral acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, bleach, aquaternary ammonium salt, glycerin, a hydrogel, a hydro sol, a superwater absorbent, EDTA, silica gel, alumina, absorbent clay, an organicpolymer, starch, an amino acid, a cyclic dextran, a C₁-C₆ mono-, di- ortrialkyl amine, a polymer amine, a detergent, a biocide, an organicscavenger, a fragrance, an air freshener, a microbe capable of degradinga pollutant, a detergent, ammonia, a disinfectant, an aquatic plant, arare earth metal catalyst, and a sterilant; 2) an air transferringdevice assembly comprising a. an electrically powered fan with an on/offswitch, an intake vent and an exhaust portion; b. an adapter block ofpolymeric foam material affixed to the exhaust portion of the fan andfitted to accommodate the length and width dimensions of the fanhousing, said adapter block containing a plurality of holes arranged soas to allow passage of air from the fan through said holes; wherein thedimensions of the polymeric foam material is such that when attached tothe air transferring device assembly and placed in the vessel, theassembly is sufficiently buoyant to maintain an upright position, and aplurality of holes in the block are immersed below the level of theliquid; and wherein, when the fan is operated, environmental space airis captured through the intake portion of the fan, travels through theholes in the adapter block into the liquid absorbent media, andultimately reenters the environmental space.
 25. The apparatus of claim24 wherein the air transferring device assembly further comprises aplurality of tubes, each tube inserted into a corresponding hole in theadapter block, and each tube is immersed below the level of the liquidabsorbent media of the vessel.
 26. An apparatus for purification ofenvironmental space air comprising 1) a vessel, with an open top,containing an absorbent liquid media, wherein the absorbent liquidmedium is selected from the group consisting of water, glycerin, analiphatic alcohol, an aliphatic polyol, an aliphatic ketone, vegetableoil, animal fat, a polyethylene glycol, and silicone oil; and optionallycontaining one or more additives independently selected from the groupconsisting of an alkali metal salt, polyethylene glycol, sodiumbisulfite, carbon black, a reducing sugar, Vitamin C, zinc oxide, silvernitrate, a mineral acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, bleach, aquaternary ammonium salt, glycerin, a hydrogel, a hydro sol, a superwater absorbent, EDTA, silica gel, alumina, absorbent clay, an organicpolymer, starch, an amino acid, a cyclic dextran, a C₁-C₆ mono-, di- ortrialkyl amine, a polymer amine, a detergent, a biocide, an organicscavenger, a fragrance, an air freshener, a microbe capable of degradinga pollutant, a detergent, ammonia, a disinfectant, an aquatic plant, arare earth metal catalyst, and a sterilant; 2) an air transferringdevice assembly comprising a. an electrically powered fan with an on/offswitch, an intake vent and an exhaust portion; b. a four-sided woodenbox shaped adapter, open at each end, wherein each side has a pluralityof holes along the bottom edge, and is affixed at the top to the exhaustportion of the fan; wherein the air transferring device is placeddirectly into the vessel, the box-shaped adapter resting on the bottomof the vessel, with the fan situated above the liquid absorbent mediaand holes in the adapter immersed below the level of the liquidabsorbent media; and wherein, when the fan is operated, environmentalspace air is captured through the intake portion of the fan, movesthrough the fan exhaust portion and travels through the holes in thebox-shaped adapter and though the media, and ultimately reenters theenvironmental space.